Meiji Satsuma Vase by Sennosuke Kusube

An impressive Satsuma vase; by Sennosuke Kusube (1859-1941),…
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An impressive Satsuma vase; by Sennosuke Kusube (1859-1941), Meiji period; of shouldered ovoid form in polychrome enamels and gilt over a clear crackled glazed, designed in four sections with pheasants and cherry blossoms, the reverse a further spring scene of birds frolicking amongst blooming wisteria. The shoulder decorated with an impressive phoenix in gold on a blue ground with two more vertical sections designed with tortoise shell and floral motifs. Signed in gilt gold Kusube to the base. 32 cm high, 19 cm diameter

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  • Tortoiseshell - Tortoiseshell is a translucent material that comes from the horny carapace of a certain types of turtles, including the hawksbill turtle. It is often therefore mounted on a colour underground - often red - or inlaid with gold or silver thread, as seen in Boulle furniture.

    The texture and colour nuances of the material are extremely important. Heated tortoiseshell can easily be formed into various shapes. Like other natural materials, tortoiseshell becomes more beautiful with use. In a time before plastic, tortoiseshell was widely used for small objects such as combs and powder compacts.

    In 1973, the trade of tortoiseshell worldwide was banned under CITES (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). Prior to importing or exporting items containing tortoiseshell a CITES permit must be obtained. Tortoiseshell items cannot be traded on Ebay.

    "Faux tortoiseshell", another case of man initiating nature, is made from old-style plastics such as celluloid and cellulos and is coloured with red, yellow and brown spots to imitate the genuine article. It is commonly used in glasses frames, musical instruments and costume jewellery.
  • Oviform /ovoid - The outline loosely resembling the shape of an egg.
  • Polychrome - Made or finished in many colours. For furniture, it is used to indicated a painted finish.
  • Crackles / Cracquelure - In ceramics, crackles may be introduced intentionally during the firing process, as was often the case with Oriental ceramics, and are known as artificial crackles. Natural crackles occur with age, and if the glaze is transparent, may be difficult to detect. Natural crackles may not cover the whole surface of the object and may be uneven in size.

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