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How Do I Know If I Have a Satsuma Vase?

An authentic Satsuma vase is a collectible and rare piece of pottery made by Japanese craftsmen. Satsuma pieces originated in the Kagoshima region of Kyushu, Japan, in the later half of the 1800s until the 1920s. Satsuma pieces often have warm, yellow bases with elaborate drawings of images and designs such as people or landscapes. If you think you have such a vase in your possession, there are certain things you can check to be certain.

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the vase upside down and look at the markings. If you see any words in English, it's a reproduction. Look for a small circle with a cross going through it, which was a sign of the emperor of the time and an indication of an authentic vase.
- 2
  Look at the background of the vase. If it's authentic, the background will always have a creamy white or yellowish-white background.
- 3
  Study the background of the vase. The glaze should have consistent and small cracks throughout -- all over the surface area of the vase.
- 4
  Turn the vase slowly in front of you, staring carefully at the images. The images should be of items such as plants, animals, landscapes, Geisha girls, deities or other customary pictures. If you see any contemporary images or symbols, it's not a Satsuma.

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