Antique vase in oriental style. The vase is made of Satsuma porcelain in the shape of a “double pumpkin”. Japan, early 20th century.

Since ancient times, gourds have been used as a vessel for storing drinking water. It was carefully dressed, dried and decorated. In such an unusual vessel, the water remained fresh for a long time, and since water was of great value, the pumpkin began to symbolize wealth. The shape of the fruit resembles the number “8”, which is also of great importance, because in Chinese culture it is believed that this is the “luckiest” number that brings good luck and prosperity.

Satsuma porcelain is one of the most valuable and famous, it took its name from the area in the southern part of the island of Kyushu. The origin dates back to the mid-16th century, when Korean craftsmen began working with local porcelain, and then, starting in 1790, they so improved both the functionality and aesthetics of the products that Satsuma porcelain soon grew into a manufactory that became the best in quality, as well as in exports in the history of Japan.