Satsuma is a type of  Japanese earthenware pottery dating to the 16th century. It features raised enamel paint on a shiny, cracked cream-colored background.  Early wares were produced for local use and featured simple designs, with heavy dark glazes.  Introduced to the European market at the Paris Exposition (World’s Fair) of 1867, the export style sports fashionable noblemen and women, birds, flowers, pagodas and cherry blossoms, as well as fine detailed miniature painting. Satsuma became a prominent part of Japanese ceramic traditions, especially during the Meiji period (1868-1912).

Foo dogs are actually not dogs, but stylized representations of guardian lions, believed to have protective powers, keeping away evil spirits and negative energy.  They were placed at the entrance of temples, palaces and government buildings as symbols of power and authority.  In this case, they were used as stylized decorations on these beautiful urns.