Satsuma Vases, Lalique Crystal, and More for New Year’s at Akiba Antiques

The upcoming New Year Collection auction from Akiba Antiques features an intricately carved coral figural group showing immortal women surrounded by cherry blossoms and village people. The carved coral piece is from the 19th century and weighs 1,886 grams. It rests on a carved rosewood base. In Chinese mythology, the immortal He Xiangu is often depicted holding a lotus. The lotus is believed to improve one’s mental and physical health. 

Japanese artisans first created Satsuma porcelain vases in the early 16th century. The example available in Akiba Antiques’ New Year Collection sale is a hand-painted Satsuma urn. Made around the early 20th century, the Satsuma urn shows a palace scene with the emperor as a central figure. It uses characteristic Satsuma polychrome hues and gold gilt for embellishments. The palace-sized vase has a rounded base, hexagonal body, and a lid with a large figural finial. The upcoming auction has more than 600 lots of fine art, sculptures, porcelain, ceramics, decorative silverware, and Lalique crystals. Find the full catalog on LiveAuctioneers and register to place a bid.