African Figure and Asian Vase ID

[Indigo Knight]

I have two garage sale pieces I would like your opinions on.

First is an African style figure made of wood-like resin. 17" high. Was free with another purchase, and looks rather "excited" to have found a new home!

Second is an asian ceramic vase, 8 1/2" high with a faint mark on the bottom, see top center of the close-up. I paid $2!

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Very interesting finds!

 

[EagleRidge]

The figure looks like it might be ironwood. It is very dense, heavy wood (from several tree types all over the world) used for carving things like this one. I have a carved seal the size of a football that weighs about 5 pounds.

 

[randazzo1]

How big is the vase? It’s a Japanese Satsuma and looks to be pretty old, probably Meiji period. Tell us it’s size and get a bigger photo of bottom. I sold a similar one last year (ebay auction went up to $141.00). They were common export pieces, but people buy them up.

 

[randazzo1]

Try to match your bottom mark to one of these makers. http://gotheborg.com/marks/satsuma.shtml

 

[randazzo1]

The one I sold was 19.5 inches. As far as I can tell, the size seems to be really important for value. People like the big ones.

 

[tamrock]

I've seen and looked at a few of those African carved figures here and there, but can't say I've seen any signed yet. Possibly a deity for conception, being it looks pregnant. I'm thinking it's all hand carved out of a dense wood like iron wood as mentioned before.

 

[A2coins]

those are some great pieces you stole em Well done!!!