Full Answer
What are the Chinese and Japanese marks on porcelain?
In the 1950's & 60's in particular, Japanese porcelain marks emulated the look of Western fine china marks (some had a characteristic colour print). This was because after World War 2 and into the 1960's, Japan was known for making cheap trinkets, rather than high end items. All that changed rather rapidly of course.
How to identify China made in Japan?
What does m $mean in Japanese porcelain?
When did porcelain start being marked Made in Japan?
Are items marked Made in Japan valuable?
These pieces usually were marked “Made in Occupied Japan,” “Made in Japan” or simply “Japan.” The products--including souvenirs, lamps, dinnerware and toys--eventually became collectible. From what we've seen in dealer catalogues, however, their value is relatively low, with few items approaching the $50 level.14-Aug-1986
When did the Made in Japan mark start?
After 1915 the words “Made in…” were usually added. Beginning in 1921, U.S. Customs required country names to be in English, and the word “Japan” was used instead of “Nippon.” Items marked “Made in Occupied Japan” were made between February 1947 and April 1952.24-Feb-2013
How do you identify Japanese pottery marks?
Search your Japanese pottery or porcelain piece for identifying marks, usually found on the bottom of the item. Use your magnifying glass so you can see clearly and distinguish all marks and names. Note the location of the words and exactly how they are positioned with the picture.20-Mar-2015
When were items stamped Japan?
During the seven years of occupation (1945-1952), many of the items made in Japanese factories bore a stamp that indicated they were made in occupied Japan. These stamps were especially prevalent for goods brought into or sold in the United States.
When was China marked Occupied Japan?
“Occupied Japan” refers to the years 1945 through 1951 when western forces occupied Japan. Imperial Japan surrendered to the Allied Forces of Great Britain, China, the Soviet Union and the United States in 1945.30-Nov-2017
What's the difference between made in Japan and made in Occupied Japan?
Not all products made in Japan between 1946 and April 1952 are marked "Made in Occupied Japan" or "Occupied Japan." Some pieces simply were marked "Japan" or "Made in Japan." However, collectors of Occupied Japan material insist that "Occupied" be found in the mark for an item to be considered a true Occupied Japan ...25-Oct-1997
How can you tell Chinese from Japanese?
Look for manufacturer import marks on Japanese china. Read the marks from top to bottom and from right to left. Look for the Japanese words for "made": "tsukuru," "Sei" and "saku." Look for the Japanese words for "drawn" or "painted" including "Dzu," "Fude" and "Ga".
How do you know if a vase is Chinese or Japanese?
1:356:29Tips on How to Identify both Chinese and Japanese Cloisonne - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipExamples you will often see the use of light blue enamel as the base color. Also in these earlierMoreExamples you will often see the use of light blue enamel as the base color. Also in these earlier examples any exposed metal including the wires. And often the undersides.
What is Japanese porcelain called?
Kutani ware or ”Kutani-yaki” (九谷焼) is a style of Japanese porcelain from the southern area of Ishikawa prefecture. It is most recognizable for its vivid colorings and elegant patterned designs.12-Feb-2020
What does Made in Occupied Japan mean on China?
Made in Occupied Japan. Any pottery that is stamped with “Made in Occupied Japan” and can be authenticated to have been manufactured between the summer of 1945 and spring of 1952. Items include ashtrays, planters, and other knickknacks. Bisque. Bisque pottery, also known as biscuit ware.12-Nov-2010
When were marked Foreign?
McKinley Tariff Act (1): Origin of the 'FOREIGN' marking: On October 1st 1890 the Congress of the United States passed the so-called 'McKinley Tariff Act', a law that was introduced by the 25th President, William McKinley.
What is Made in Japan mean?
Basically, the phrase “made in” means that the product was either entirely made or significantly transformed in that country.08-Aug-2016
World Fair in Paris in 1904 Shapes The Idea of Modern Dinnerware
- A visit by Ichizaemon Morimura IV to the World Fair in Paris in this period helped shape the idea of trying to manufacture a high quality, modern, western style dinnerware for export, in Japan. In January 1, 1904 the Nippon Toki Kaisha Ltd - the forerunner to the present Noritake Company- was formed. The factory was located near a source of good and plentiful raw materials and in a …
RC
- Marks with the initials RC have a special place in the Noritake production. The first time we find them in the first marks registered in Japan in the 1908, where RC (Royal Crockery) is combined with a "Yajirobe" or a mechanical balance toy. According to Noritake symbolizing the universal problem of finding a balance in business, such as between quality and price. It is not clear how l…
Export Starts in 1914
- In 1910 the first china products from the new company could leave Japan for the U.S. The first reported U.S. registry for a Noritake back stamp for importing is 1911. Not not until 1914 after a long series of trials and errors the first fine porcelain dinnerware suitable for export was produced. On of the first patterns to be produces was the "Sedan" (11292). A piece of the dinner…
The 1921-1941 Period
- The period from 1921 until 1941 is a time easily set apart in Noritake production. It is clearly defined on both ends by two events: a change in U.S. law in 1921 and the entry into World War II in 1941. Until 1921 Noritake predominately marked export wares "Nippon," one word used to describe the country of Japan. In 1921 American import law changed to require the place of orig…
The Time Following World War II
- "Noritake" appears on back stamps of other pieces, with either "Japan" or "Made in Japan" present on most of these. For a period following World War II from 1945 to 1948 Noritake China was sold under the label "Rose China". In 1953 the letter "N" for "Noritake" in a wreath replaced the long used "M" in a wreath. From 1945 until early 1952, occupation of Japan by the Allied Occupation Force…
Ancient History
- The first time we hear of porcelain from the Kutani (nine valleys) Village, was in 1655, in the in the first year of the Myoreki epoch. Japanese ceramic history has it that stones suitable for porcelain making was found in the Kutani mine of the Daishoji Clan, whereupon Lord Maeda Toshiharu sent Goto Saijiro to the Arita Village in the Hizen province to learn how to make porcelain. Kutani Por…
Restoration in 1800
- Around 1800 the Kutani kilns was restored in Kasugayama, Kanazawa City to make utilarian porcelains. After just a few years this kiln was destroyed by fire. Around 1806-1820 Honda Sadakichi built new kilns in Wakasugi with the purpose of reviving the old style. In 1823-1831 Yoshidaya Kilns were built in Daishoji at the site of Ko-Kutani to concentrate on commercial por…
Production For Export
- During and after the Meiji period (1868-1912) up until today almost all Kutani porcelain in Shoza stylewas exported. Most of the Kutani porcelain we see today is thus 'Shoza style', 'Yoshida Kiln' export wares, dating from early 19th century up until today.
Birds on Kutani Porcelain
- Birds as a major motif in a Kutani style appear quite frequently marked Yokohama. Tashiro (Tashiro Shoten - Yokohama 1930s) produced/commissioned many of them. Bird motifs on porcelain with light ink wash technique is highly suggestive of Yokohama style with strong Kutani influence, during the export period. Apparently Kamimoto produced similar pieces to Tashiro- an…
Further Resources
- So far John Wocher. Some Kutani marks are listed here. For any further specialist information on Kutani ceramics the web page run by John Wocher and George Bouvier is the best on-line resource there is. Both are also moderators at the Gotheborg Discussion Board why a membership here might also be worth considering. Jan-Erik Nilsson The gotheborg.com marks …