Export Satsuma

Tagraíonn Export Satsuma' do stíl chriadóireachta cré-earraí Seapánach a táirgeadh go príomha i réimse Satsuma (Mainistéireacht Kagoshima an lae inniu) agus in ionaid cheirmeacha eile sa tSeapáin le linn dheireadh an 19ú haois agus thús an 20ú haois, go sonrach do mhargaí eachtracha. Arb iad is sainairíonna dó ná maisiúcháin mhionsonraithe, órdheighilt, agus radhairc fhigiúracha casta, bhí an-tóir ar Export Satsuma san Eoraip, i Meiriceá Thuaidh, agus níos faide i gcéin, go háirithe le linn thréimhse Meiji (1868–1912).

Stair

Tháinig earraí Satsuma chun cinn go luath sa 17ú haois, agus tugadh isteach sa tSeapáin iad le linn ionraí na Seapánach ar an gCóiré (1592–1598). Ba chré-earraí simplí te-thonaithe iad na chéad phíosaí le glónraí caolchúiseacha.

Le hoscailt na Seapáine don Iarthar i lár an 19ú haois, d'oiriúnaigh potairí a dteicnící chun taitneamh a bhaint as blasanna coigríche. Mar thoradh air sin, tháinig 'Export Satsuma chun cinn, stíl níos ornáideach a táirgeadh i gcainníochtaí móra le haghaidh taispeántais idirnáisiúnta, bronntanais taidhleoireachta, agus onnmhairiú tráchtála.

Príomhphointí Stairiúla

• 1867 – Tháinig earraí Satsuma chun cinn san Eoraip ag Taispeántas Idirnáisiúnta Pháras, rud a spreag spéis eachtrach.
• 1873–1900 – Buaictháirgeadh do mhargaí onnmhairithe, ag an am céanna le rannpháirtíocht na Seapáine i roinnt aontaí domhanda.
• Tréimhse Meiji dhéanach – Leathnaigh an táirgeadh níos faide ná Satsuma go Kyoto, Osaka, agus Yokohama, rud a d'fhág go raibh éagsúlachtaí i stíl agus i gcáilíocht.

Saintréithe

De ghnáth aithnítear píosaí Satsuma onnmhairithe trí:

• Corp: Earraí cré uachtaracha, eabhair-thonaithe le glónra mín scoilte (kan-nyū).
• Maisiúcháin: Cruain thar-ghlónra dlúth, ildaite in éineacht le hórdheilbh fhlúirseach.
• Téamaí: Tírdhreacha, radhairc chúirte, déithe Búdaíocha, agus móitífeanna den saol laethúil.
• Uigeacht: Obair chruain ardaithe shaibhir (moriage) i samplaí áirithe ardchaighdeáin.

Eilimintí Maisiúla Tipiciúla

• Brocade patterns inspired by textiles.
• Mythological figures such as Kannon, Jizō, or Shōki.
• Nature scenes with cherry blossoms, peonies, or chrysanthemums.
• Historical episodes from Japanese literature or folklore.

Major Production Centers

Kyoto

• Known for fine detail, delicate brushwork, and elegant gilding.
• Workshops such as Kinkōzan and Yabu Meizan gained international fame.

Yokohama

• Specialized in large, striking display pieces for Western collectors.
• Frequently employed bright colors and heavier gilding.

Osaka and Kobe

• Produced both high-quality and mass-market wares.
• Many items exported through these busy port cities.

Marks and Signatures

Export Satsuma pieces often bear marks on the base, usually in gold over red. Common elements include:

• The circle with cross emblem of the Shimazu clan (rulers of Satsuma).
• Kanji inscriptions naming the potter or workshop.
• Phrases such as Dai Nippon (Great Japan), emphasizing national pride.

Collectibility and Modern Perception

While mass production led to varied quality levels, Export Satsuma remains highly collectible. The finest pieces are valued for:

• Extraordinary miniature painting skill.
• Complex narrative scenes.
• Excellent condition with minimal gilding loss.

Factors Influencing Value

• Artist reputation (e.g., Yabu Meizan, Namikawa Yasuyuki).
• Level of detail and painting precision.
• Size and uniqueness of form.
• Condition of enamels and gilding.

Notable Examples

• Vases for display in European parlors.
• Tea sets combining Japanese motifs with Western shapes.
• Figurines depicting gods, samurai, or geisha.
• Plaques and chargers designed for wall display.

Legacy

Export Satsuma is both a product of Japan's adaptation to global trade and an expression of traditional craftsmanship shaped by Western tastes. Today, it serves as a testament to the cultural exchange of the Meiji era, balancing domestic artistic traditions with international market demands.

References

1. Impey, Oliver. Japanese Export Satsuma, 1867–1914. London: British Museum Press, 2002.
2. Ayers, John. The Art of Japanese Porcelain. London: Sotheby's Publications, 1982.
3. Cortazzi, Hugh. Japan and the Victorian World. London: Routledge, 2013.
4. Gisela Jahn. Meiji Ceramics: The Art of Japanese Export Porcelain and Satsuma Ware, 1868–1912. Munich: Prestel, 1989.
5. Franks, Sir Augustus W. Japanese Pottery. London: South Kensington Museum, 1880.