Satsuma: The Romance of Japan by Louis Lawrence
THE new book on Satsuma
Satsuma: The Romance of Japan by Louis Lawrence
It has been 20 years since Louis Lawrence’s book devoted solely to Satsuma was published. His first book acquired a legendary status among collectors with its superb illustrations and its ground breaking history of the subject. This book has exceeded the first, with extraordinary panoramic illustrations showing almost every detail of over 100 selected pieces of the finest Satsuma ware made. There are masterpieces of the art on almost every page. The directory identifies over 300 photographed signatures and gives biographical information on the major artists, studios and factories. It is the most comprehensive listing ever produced in the field and includes helpful hints in reading signatures.
Taking the subjects portrayed on Satsuma as the guiding thread through the book Louis Lawrence takes us on a journey through life in ancient Japan, introduces the legends and myths of this eastern empire and shows the Satsuma decorator’s unique ability to capture nature at its most picturesque. The history of Satsuma ware, its most famous and important makers are all detailed in the extensive text. So too is an introduction to some fine artists whose work has yet to be appreciated. New research includes a contemporary account of a visit to the studio of Yabu Meizan in 1891 and a fresh look at the work of Chin Jukan, the founder of the industry. We can now fully appreciate the complex detail and spectacular design of almost a hundred pieces all previously unpublished, illustrated with some 280 photographs. A guide to collecting and some tips drawn from Louis Lawrence’s 40 years of experience in the antique trade complete this unique book.
A special edition, limited to 300 copies, is available. Each of these is individually numbered and has been signed by both the author and the photographer. This luxurious book comes complete with a thick board slip case and customized book mark. It is priced at $240.
To order your copy now – click here.
The introduction is written by the well known author of the book, Meiji Ceramics, Gisela Jahn. The photography by Mark Lawrence is of exceptional quality and detail. Uniquely there are several innovative panoramic views created from a series of photographs taken from all around the piece, enabling the reader to view it in a manner not even possible with the item in hand!
Dealer’s discounts:
A discount program is available for bona fide book dealers and antique dealers wishing to offer this book for sale. A transhipment service to clients is offered at no additional charge. To register and for further information, click here
Technical specifications:
- 264 pages on 150 gsm matt art paper
- 280 colour illustrations
- Directory of over 300 marks and signatures
- Hardbound, thread sewn
- Page size 8.5” x 11.25” (21.7 x 28.5 cm)
- Overall size 8.75” x 11.625” (22.2 x 29.4 cm)
- Weight 1.6 Kg, Special Edition with slip case 1.95 Kg
- ISBN 978-962-7502-79-1

Satsumacollector.com
This site has been created as a meeting place for enthusiasts, collectors and dealers in Satsuma. We hope that you will participate and, by doing so, meet others with similar interests.







