What makes an antique Japanese tea set unique?
An antique Japanese tea set may come in any of hundreds of patterns. These patterns are generally identified with the city of origin instead of the pattern itself. Moriage is one pattern you may find. It has been used in Japanese tea sets for centuries. The process carefully layers clay on pottery, which creates a raised, intricate design.
What is a made-in-Japan tea set?
A made-in-Japan tea set is a specific mark that refers to a period after the Nippon mark became unacceptable to U.S. Customs. From August 1, 1921, a pre-war Japanese tea set would be stamped “Japan” or “Made in Japan.” When World War II began, the mark was no longer used. The United States instituted an embargo on Japanese goods during the war.
What is an “occupied Japan” piece?
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.”
What kind of teapots are made in Japan?
MADE IN JAPAN DRAGON WARE RAISED MORIAGE TEA POT / SUGAR / CREAMER SET ANTIQUE Porcelain ASIAN Signed HAND PAINTED CUP and SAUCER SET~GREAT DETAILS! IWACHU Japanese Cast Iron Teapot Waves 22 Oz.
Is China marked Made in Occupied 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.
How do I know if my Japanese tea set is antique?
Examine writing on the bottom of the tea set. If there are handwritten marks, the tea set is made before the 1800s, before stamping was used. If the tea set has a stamped logo, lettering and/or numbers that are not blue, the set was made after 1850. Any tea set with a logo or trademark is made after 1862.
Are old tea sets worth anything?
Vintage teacups can be worth quite a lot! You'll find them priced from $20-$100, even more if it is rare and in mint condition. What is this? My teacups were gifted to me by family or I purchased them myself anywhere from $4-$10.
What is a traditional Japanese tea set called?
Kyusu (急須) are traditional Japanese teapots mainly made of fired volcanic clay of very high quality. The word kyusu simply means teapot, even though in common usage kyusu usually does refer to a teapot with a side handle.
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 old is 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. The mark may tell you where your piece was made and if you know the history of understanding pottery marks, then the mark can help you date your piece too.
What are the most valuable teacups?
The world's most expensive teacup at U$36 million. The 3-inch cup from the Ming Dynasty's Chenghua Emperor (1465 to 1487) is considered the “holy grail” in China's art world. Sotheby's said only 17 are known to exist.
What do the numbers on the bottom of china mean?
Hallmarks or Maker's Marks Potteries and manufacturers use a variety of symbols, letters or images to denote their creation of fine china. Also called backstamps, these markings may be found on the bottom of a vase or figurine or on the bottoms of china plates, saucers or cups.
Are teacups and saucers worth anything?
In thrift stores, you can easily find teacups for as little as $3 to as high as $25 and teapots are priced under $10 although the savvy store owner might put sticker prices as high as $50.
What is the difference between Japanese and Chinese tea sets?
The significant difference between Chinese and Japanese Tea is that the latter is fixed by steaming, whereas the former is fixed* with drier heats such as pan-frying. Japanese Green Teas are rich in umami and almost savoury in flavour.
Why do Japanese tea cups have no handles?
One marked difference between Asian tea cups is they have no handles while Western cups have a looped handle on one side of the cup. Ever wonder why? The short answer is that Asians of various cultures believe that if the cup is too hot to hold, the tea is too hot to drink.
How do I choose a Yixing teapot?
A Yixing teapot should only be used for one type of tea. High-fired teapots with a finer, thinner clay are excellent for use with any tea and a must for Green, White and Oolong teas. Low-fired teapots that use a thicker and more porous clay work best for Black Tea (called Red Tea in China) and Pu-Erh Tea.
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History of the Japanese Tea Set
Tea is something Japan has been familiar with since as early as the 8th century. Tea was introduced to the Japanese through their priests and envoys. After traveling to China on a mission of learning their culture and way of life, they ended up bringing home tea.
How to Identify an Antique Japanese Tea Set
There are so many different elements to antique Japanese tea sets that distinguish them from the tea sets we are more familiar with today. One major thing to consider when looking at antique Japanese tea sets is when it was made. During the 1500s, Japan began exporting some of its stunningly crafted tea sets to Europe.
The Material and Texture of Antique Japanese Tea Set
Traditional antique Japanese tea sets were made using either clay or porcelain. If the users of the tea set were drinking primarily, or exclusively, green tea, then they likely used a clay tea set. This is because clay tea sets are porous and therefore absorb the flavors of the tea with every brew.
Types of Antique Japanese Tea Sets
Antique Japanese tea sets used to feature a wide variety of petters and designs. It’s far easier to determine the patterns based on the set’s city of origin rather than the patterns themselves. Here are some of the most common patterns featured on antique Japanese tea sets.
How to Value Antique Japanese Tea Sets
Pricing a Japanese tea set is a complex process that might be better left up to appraisers who are able to get far better results in determining the value of the item. There are so many things that go into determining how much an antique Japanese tea set is really worth such as;
Final Thoughts
Purchasing an antique Japanese tea set of your own is an excellent investment to consider making. The history-seeped tea sets will bring an engaging, elegant, historical charm to your home.
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 ...