Japanese Satsuma Octagonal Vase with Dragon Handles and Adorned with Monks by Marked with Shimazu Family Crest

Eight sides, many monks, and a very busy glaze.

This Satsuma octagonal vase was made in Japan in the 19th century in porcelain. Satsuma wares were commonly decorated in enamel and gold, often with scenes of sages, and were much exported. The tapering faceted body shows a gathering of robed figures beside a fence, painted in warm orange, brown and gold on a cracked cream ground. Dragon handles in gilt reach up to the flared rim. A bell-shaped foot carries dense gold ornament.

About 7 inches tall. A companion piece to the vase beside it, never an exact twin.