- History. During the Occupation period, from 1945 to 1952, U.S. customs required goods imported from Japan stamped with "Occupied Japan."
- Identification. Look for marks under porcelain and china goods, or marked somewhere on other products like clocks. Marks should include the words "Occupied Japan" or "Made In Occupied Japan."
- Features. Except for Japanese Noritake, Occupied Japan goods imported to the U.S. often copied similar, more expensive European products.
- Types. Occupied Japan-marked products included porcelain and home goods like tea sets, dinnerware, bisque figurines and lighters.
- Fun Fact. According to Kovels.com's monthly report, more collectors searched for "Occupied Japan" than any other collectible in 2009.
Is there such a thing as an occupied Japan piece?
Occupied Japan Ceramics Antique Marks Collectors of Occupied Japan pieces insist that “Occupied” be found in the mark in order for the piece to be considered a true Occupied Japan collectible. Not all products made in Japan between 1946 and April 1952 are marked “Occupied Japan.”
How do you identify goods stamped with occupied Japan?
During the Occupation period, from 1945 to 1952, U.S. customs required goods imported from Japan stamped with "Occupied Japan." Many U.S. military men stationed in Japan brought these goods home as souvenirs. Look for marks under porcelain and china goods, or marked somewhere on other products like clocks.
How do I know if my figurines are made in Occupied Japan?
Check under or behind the figurine for the Made in Occupied Japan mark. You’ll see a trademark “T” in a circle. Made in Occupied Japan figurines made pre-1921 have Nippon labeled on them while post-1921 products have Japan. Some manufacturers used company logos instead of the “Made in Occupied Japan” phrase. Watch this video to see the difference.
When did made in Occupied Japan become so popular?
A: Although Made in Occupied Japan pieces weren’t high scale, there was a peaked interest in the 1960s.
Are Occupied Japan items 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.
What is the difference between Japan and 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 ...
Is pottery from occupied Japan valuable?
Dramatic price increases for Occupied Japan collectibles are not expected by most experts. The majority of ceramic items are valued between $6 and $100, and are expected to remain so. Most toys are priced higher--between $100 and $400--but also are expected to remain fairly stable.
What does it mean when it says Occupied Japan?
"Occupied Japan" (OJ) is a term used for the time period from 1945 (after World War II) through April 25, 1952; it was during this time that the Allies "occupied" Japan. You will also see items marked "Occupied Germany" - both of which are generally an insult to these countries.
How do you identify Japanese pottery marks?
Signatures are usually followed by a suffix, for example Sei, tsukuru or saku all meaning "made", or Ga, Dzu or Fude meaning "painted" or "drawn". Then there are place names, Satsuma, Kutani, Seto etc. To read these requires references such as a good Japanese/English dictionary such as Nelsons.
How do I know if my figurines are valuable?
So, the better the condition, the greater the value. Beyond that, the rarity, age and quality of a figurine will also work together to determine its value. Chips, cracks, faded or rubbed away paint, and crazing can all lower the value of any ceramics, including figurines.
What kind of antiques do collectors usually look for in Japan?
Popular Japanese antiquesNetsuke | 根付 Some netsuke were made from ivory. ... Tsuba | 鍔 or 鐔 Tsuba – still attached to the sword. ... Kiseru | 煙管 Assorted kiseru | Photo by istock.com/ma-no. ... Porcelain | 陶磁器 (tojiki), 焼きもの (yakimono) or 陶芸 (togei) ... Kintsugi or Kintsukuroi | 金継ぎ or 金繕い
How old is an item 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.
When were items marked Japan?
If your piece is marked “Nippon,” then it was made and imported between 1891 and 1921. If it is marked “Japan”, then your piece was made and imported after 1921.
10 Most Valuable Occupied Japan Figurines: Price Guide
10 Most Valuable Made in Occupied Japan Figurines Online. NB: These prices aren’t fixed, as you’ll learn in the valuation section.They’re, however, the best compiled from reputable online stores like Etsy and eBay.
What Are Made in Occupied Japan Collectibles? - Reference.com
Made in Occupied Japan collectibles include porcelain items, toys, pottery and other items that people created after World War II when Americans occupied Japan. The majority of the items are European ceramic copies and inexpensive novelties that people could purchase from dime stores. The purpose of these items at the time was for export.
Marks on Items Made in Japan – Kovels
Q: I would like to know the order of marks on items made in Japan. Which is oldest, “Nippon,” “Made in Occupied Japan,” “Made in Japan” or just “Japan”? Does it make a difference if the mark is red, green, black or another color? A: Most pieces marked with the name of a country were […]
Pottery Marks Identification Guide & Index
A few real-life Samples of Genuine Moorcroft Pottery Marks. The range of Moorcroft Pottery marks begins with William Moorcroft’s time at the MacKintyre pottery and covers the 100 year history of design and ownership by William, his son Walter Moorcroft, other more current owners and marks of artists and designers from the Moorcroft Design Studio.
When did Japan become occupied?
In February 1947 , the General Headquarters, administrative arm of the American occupying forces, ordered all products made for export to be marked “Occupied Japan” or “Made in Occupied Japan.”. World War II devasted the Japanese economy.
What was the Japanese economy during World War II?
World War II devasted the Japanese economy. The Japanese ceramic industry was one of the first to be revitalized. Using aid from the United States, Japanese ceramic manufacturers began producing ceramic knickknacks for sale to the occupying American soldiers.
Is "Occupied Japan" a mark?
Collectors of Occupied Japan pieces insist that “Occupied” be found in the mark in order for the piece to be considered a true Occupied Japan collectible. Not all products made in Japan between 1946 and April 1952 are marked “Occupied Japan.”. Some pieces simply were marked “Japan” or “Made in Japan.’. These designations were added ...
What's the Difference Between Occupied Japan and Japan?
After World War II, Allied forces (particularly the United States) occupied Japan. They did this for several reasons. First and foremost, it was to oversee the dismantling of Japan's military strength and to prevent war from reigniting. In large part, the Allies controlled the government, rebuilding efforts and the reorganization of society.
Why Are Occupied Japan Figurines Worth More?
There are a few reasons why items made in occupied Japan are sometimes valued highly. For one thing, even though many objects received the stamp, they are still rare. Seven years is a relatively short time, after all.
Occupied Japan Collectibles: Identification and Value Guide
The writers at Our Pastimes note that you can identify items made in occupied Japan by examining them for the stamp. For the majority of objects, this stamp will be on the bottom. For example, occupied Japan plates would have the stamp on the part that sits on the table.
Why did Japan have to mark 50% of all items as "Occupied Japan"?
As Japan needed to rebuild their economy after the war, part of the agreement to allow them to export goods out of their country was that they had to mark 50% of all items with "Occupied Japan" or "Made in Occupied Japan.".
What is OJ in Japan?
A term used for Japanese export from 1945 to 1952. "Occupied Japan" (OJ) is a term used for the time period from 1945 (after World War II) through April 25, 1952; it was during this time that the Allies "occupied" Japan.