{"product_id":"antique-satsuma-vase-meiji-era-japanese-rakan-elephant-handles-shimazu-mark","title":"Antique Satsuma Vase: Meiji Era Japanese Rakan \u0026 Elephant Handles, Shimazu Mark","description":"A beautiful and rare antique Japanese Satsuma vase from the Meiji era (circa 1890), exquisitely hand-painted with Buddhist imagery and symbolic detail. The vase is of traditional baluster shape with a flaring scalloped rim and stands on its original carved wooden base (included).                                            The body features a richly gilded and polychrome enamel decoration of rakan (enlightened Buddhist disciples), each with a distinctive expression, halo, and robe. Above and around them, brocade-like motifs and ornamental borders- characteristic of high-end Satsuma production.                                                 One of the most striking elements is the pair of elephant-head handles on the sides - a rare and meaningful feature in Buddhist iconography, symbolizing wisdom, royal strength, and spiritual power. These are carefully modeled with curved trunks and ears, and finished in bright gold.                                       The base of the vase bears a black and gold cartouche with Japanese characters reading \"Satsuma-sei\" - \"Made in Satsuma\", along with the iconic Shimazu clan crest, linking the piece to historical kilns in Kagoshima.                                                                                                                                                                 This vase is not just decorative - it embodies cultural and spiritual values through its symbolism and craftsmanship. The elephant handles and the rakan figures elevate it to the level of sacred art. A beautiful centerpiece for collectors of Japanese or Buddhist antiques.\u003cbr\u003e\nCondition:                                                                                                                                                                    Excellent condition for its age. Minor wear to the gold on the handles (very light), no cracks or chips. Colors and gilding are vibrant and well-preserved.\u003cbr\u003e\nDimensions: Height 24 cm, Diameter: 12 cm, Weight 664 g\u003cbr\u003e\nPlease study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.\u003cbr\u003e\n","brand":"Gillers Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62883109011786,"sku":null,"price":950.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1066\/5351\/6106\/files\/il_fullxfull.7007552303_dgt1.jpg?v=1785901972","url":"https:\/\/gillersantiques.com\/products\/antique-satsuma-vase-meiji-era-japanese-rakan-elephant-handles-shimazu-mark","provider":"Gillers Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}