Satsuma Style Scent Bottle

The Satsuma Style Scent Bottle is a monochrome porcelain piece, likely crafted by the Worcester manufactory, dating back to 1888. This decorative item features intricate moulded designs of Japanese figures, resonating with the Satsuma style, a prominent Japanese form of ceramics. The bottle is exquisitely finished with a silver mounted screw-on lid, assayed by Charles May, a renowned silversmith from Birmingham, adding a touch of elegance and historical significance to the piece. Such craftsmanship highlights a blend of Eastern artistry with Western silverwork, reflecting the cultural exchanges of the period.

Condition Report

The Satsuma Style Scent Bottle is in very good condition, with minimal wear that is consistent with its age and historical usage. The porcelain body maintains its monochrome sheen, with no visible cracks or chips, ensuring the integrity of the moulded Japanese figures. The silver mount shows slight tarnishing, typical for a piece of this period, but still retains its lustre and functionality. The screw-on lid operates smoothly, a testament to the quality of materials and craftsmanship. Collectors will appreciate the preservation of this item, as it continues to reflect its historical and artistic value without significant deterioration.

Dimensions

Weight: 25gm, Length: 4.5cm, Width: 1cm, Height: 6.5cm.

A Fragrance Vessel for Personal Elegance

This scent bottle was originally intended as a vessel for personal fragrances, a common accessory in the late 19th century for individuals seeking to carry their preferred scent. Its compact size and screw-on lid design make it practical for transport, while the detailed porcelain and silverwork offer an elegant addition to any personal grooming collection. Such bottles were often carried in handbags or pockets, providing a touch of sophistication and personal luxury.

Satsuma Style Porcelain Artistry

Inspired by the Satsuma style, this scent bottle showcases the intricate craftsmanship associated with Japanese ceramics. The monochrome depiction of figures is characteristic of the style, which often includes detailed narrative scenes and extensive use of colour and gilding. Although this piece is monochrome, it captures the essence of Satsuma artistry through its detailed moulding and design. This style was particularly popular in the Meiji period, reflecting the Western fascination with Japanese art, which influenced European ceramic production significantly.

The Fusion of Porcelain and Silver Craft

The production of this scent bottle involved skilled porcelain moulding techniques, likely executed at the Worcester manufactory, known for its fine ceramics. The Japanese-inspired design was carefully moulded into the porcelain before being fired to achieve its durable form. The addition of a silver mounted lid, crafted by Charles May, required precise metalwork skills, with the lid being assayed in Birmingham in 1888. This combination of porcelain artistry and silver craftsmanship illustrates the technical expertise and cross-cultural influences prevalent in the late 19th century.

Crafted by the Renowned Silversmith, Charles May

Charles May was a distinguished silversmith operating in Birmingham during the late 19th century. Known for his precise silver mounts and intricate designs, May's work added significant value to pieces such as this scent bottle. His hallmark, as assayer, indicates the piece’s authenticity and quality, ensuring that buyers receive a genuine article. May's contributions to silverware are well-recognised, and his works are sought after by collectors who appreciate the detailed craftsmanship and historical importance of his pieces.

Collected by Connoisseurs of Japanese-Inspired Design

Satsuma style scent bottles are highly prized by collectors for their representation of cultural exchange and artistic ingenuity. Collectors are drawn to the unique blend of Japanese artistic motifs with European craftsmanship. These pieces offer insight into the tastes and artistic influences of the late 19th century, and they are often collected alongside other Japanese-inspired ceramics and Western silverware. The fusion of styles and the historical context of such items make them a fascinating focus for acquisition, reflecting both the aesthetic preferences and the technological advancements of the era.