It's my belief that Nikkozan marked Satsuma is likely among the rarest of Satsuma wares because a quick Google search reveals only a few examples, all of which were auctioned off several years ago by Bonham's and Christie's auction houses. There are no other Nikkozan marked Satsumayaki listed in Google other than these few, and now my own post.
Doing a similar search in Japanese also netted less than a couple of links for Nikkozan Satsuma wares.
I'm rather perplexed why so many sites, particularly online auction sites, refer to this design of Rakan with Kannon and dragon, etc as "Thousand Faces". I have yet to find any information whatsoever on the story behind this design and insofar as Japanese websites go, the term 1000 Faces in relation to Satsuma is non existent. It is my belief that the name "Thousand Faces" when applicable to this design of Satsuma is a false one.
Hey Lita,
ReplyDeleteI recently found a set of bowls and plates that has the exact same mark on the bottom. Do you have any more info about the history of Nikkozan or even where your plate came from? Anything is appreciated!