Dear Brendan,

This is a Japanese vase of the Satsuma type. It bears the Shimazu crest the most important family in Satsuma, Japan, making these ware from 19th century into the 20th. Your vase is a later production I would say around 1950. Satsuma wares can be very expensive but what is important for a high price is the name of the maker but most of all; how detailed is the vase painted. It can go up to one hair brushes to make details. They worked sometimes for 6 months on one vase.. Your vase is made for export to the west and, I have to say, is mediocre in its decoration. Price is a reflection of that.