Four Japanese Satsuma vases marking the 25th Jubilee of Queen Wilhelmina

The four white porcelain vases show four different shapes namely baluster-shaped, conically-shaped, Mei-ping-shaped and hexagonal-shaped and are all very similarly decorated with typical Satsuma decoration consisting of decorative bands of colour. The outer bands on the shoulders and bases of the vases have white flowers on a background of black and gold floral arabesques. Then there are two lighter bands of white and gold triangles bordering a wide central band. This central band is purple with green and red flowers surrounding various medallions and shields. On the front side is a white medallion containing a crowned “W” and at the back is an oval white medallion with the inscription “31 August 1923” in gold. On the one side is a shield with a blue powder-horn on a golden field and the inscription “ORANJE” above it, and on the other side is a shield with a golden lion rampant on a blue field and the inscription “NASSAU” above it. The base of each vase is sunken, glazed and marked with a red Japanese character, the words “Made in Japan” in gold and a sticker “Made in Japan”. Princess Wilhelmina became queen of the Netherlands on her 18th birthday in 1898. In 1923 she celebrated the 25th Jubilee of her reign. This event led to a boom in the creation of Royal Commemorative ware. These vases were made by the Nagoya Potteries in Japan.Ceramic 10