Suntory Museum of Art
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Notable Works
Satsuma Cut-glass Boat-shaped Bowl with Indigo-blue Overlay

Notable Works

Glass

Satsuma Cut-glass Boat-shaped Bowl with Indigo-blue Overlay

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Place of production or style: Satsuma domain, Japan
Number of components: 1
Format and materials: SG 3.43
Dimensions (in cm): D. (minor axis) 13.2, D. (major axis) 18.1, H. 10.4
Date of production: Edo period mid 19th century

This boat-shaped bowl has a bat, its wings outspread, on the stern and a tomoe (double interlocking comma) motif on the prow. In China, the bat is a symbol of good fortune (since the words are homonyms) and is used extensively on art-craft items as an auspicious motif. The tomoe motif also originated on the mainland of Asia; it signifies that the yin-yang fundamentals of the universe are in balance. While those decorative themes suggest a grand concept, we do not know what the bowl as a whole signified or how it was used. The composition of motifs is unique, and the fine, sharp cuts attest to the excellent skills of Satsuma glass workers.

Notable Works

Satsuma Cut-glass Boat-shaped Bowl with Indigo-blue Overlay

SUNTORY MUSEUM of ART