The cookie is set by MailChimp to record which page the user first visited. Distinctive patterns and tints are produced depending on how the ash is employed and how the flames touch the piece. Echizen-yaki () is a type of ceramic produced in the town of Echizen, in Fukui prefecture. They are the characters NICHI and HON which together read as Nippon (=Japan). 'Fine China' seems to be used consistently as a brand name under which several patterns are/were sold such as Golden Rose, Platinum Rose, Golden Wheat, Platinum Wheat, Cherry Blossom, English Garden, and St. Regis. Echizen Ware Tokkuri (Sake Bottle), Momoyama Period, Late 16th Century. Date 1940s-50s, 1389. Date after 1940. Kibushi, mizuchi, or gairome clays are used to make thick and large pottery vessels that are highly fire-resistant. Amakusa Porcelain (Kumamoto) 5. This page lists some of the many makers marks found on antique Japanese porcelain and ceramic objects including Arita porcelain, Kutani porcelain, Seto porcelain, Satsuma pottery and others. Mark: Bird in Circle, "Hand painted, Made in Japan". Toronto based Canadian company established in the 1940s and still active. This mark is typical of "seal characters". Ashley Abraham Van Tine 1821-1890, Genealogy home page (outside link) Dish of "egg shell" quality. J Bowes, Japanese Marks & Seals is very helpful as is Koop & Inada, Japanese Names. 979. The ceramics produced during this brief period are named ko-Kutani (old Kutani) and boast vivid colors and characteristic designs. The word "Nippon" in western characters means "Japan" and occurs on most Japanese wares from around 1890 until the early 1920s. Tentative date 1980-2000. 1557. Mashiko clay is rich in iron and silicic acid, easy to sculpt, thick and highly fire-resistant. 1072. Second half 20th century, likely around 1970s. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Many of these companies were in business for very short periods of time. late 1940s-early 1950s. In fact, few hard-and-fast rules exist for the layperson to follow. One simple and easy guide to reading & writing Japanese is Ed Florence Sakade & al. Through a reaction with flames, the clay gains a peculiar purple-brown color and a specific shine, which increases with use and over time. 772. In 1781, the lord of the domain wished a kiln to be established in town. Marked on the bottom of the bowl. Mark: Tezuka Kinsei, Tokuyama, c 1910-50. During the last part of the Edo period (1603-1868), translucent porcelain production began. 1433. Do you own a piece of antique Chinese or Japanese porcelain and want to know who made | Fiverr 1245. An assortment of Japanese antique marks is available at 1stDibs. Through the Edo period (1603-1868), Tobe ware was independently manufactured. Kutani-yaki () is famous for its bold designs, vibrant colors, and overglaze painting. Mark: 743. Two Korean potters brought traditions to this pottery style: Chin Jukan developed overglaze Satsuma porcelain while descendants of Boku Heii created a unique natural glaze. 1386. Visitors to Mashiko can try their hand at making ceramics themselves. Mark: Symbol plus "Made in Japan". By 1688, another important style appeared: kinrande, featuring gold and red patterns. At this time, Okinawa had strong commercial contacts with China and Southeast Asia. Iga ware is usually heavier and harder than Shigaraki ware and has handles. Mark: "T T" in two rectangles. 7 Things to Know About Wabi-Sabi Pottery, What are Sushi Plates? Mark: Japanese reading: Eiwa Kinsei "Eiwa (name) Respectfully Made". It is generally believed that the naturalised Korean potter Ri Sampei (1579-1655), who had been brought to Japan in 1598, discovered clay for porcelain production at Izumiyama near Arita. 1536. 1333. Nowadays, Iga ware mainly consists of tableware for daily use. The distinctive characteristic of Obori-Soma ware is its pattern of blue cracks, occasioned by a difference in the reduction rate between the enamel and the clay when baking. Mark: 884. In the Mikawa area, in Aichi Prefecture, Sanshu is one of the three places where kawara (clay tiles) have been made since the 6th century. Porcelain manufacturers used a variety of symbols, letters or images to denote their products. 800. Mark: Mt. Many of the Japanese makers marks on Satsuma porcelain or pottery are simply the name of the person who made the item, or a generic marking such as "Dai Nippon Satsuma". Tashiro Shoten Ltd? Consulting a china expert, a certified appraiser, or an antiques and collectible dealer in person may be your style, but you can also utilize the many available online resources, most of which have helpful photographs. 50. The most recent larger contribution was made by Lisa M. Surowiec, New Jersey, USA. The origin of Seto ware goes back to the beginning of the 19th century. By learning to identify and interpret these marks, it is possible to gain valuable insights into the history and provenance of a piece and to make informed decisions about its value.Last updated: February 2023, Aoki Brothers Aoki Kyodai-Shokai Arita porcelain marked in underglaze blue See examples on eBay , Banko pottery impressed oval seal mark that reads Banko. However, the rule doesn't apply in other countries nor always in America because sometimes paper labels and the like was used. Vantine's, the Oriental Store. Okada Yutaka (Hagi, Ido) Okabe Mineo (Three Legends, Daruma Mag.) In 2004 and from then on my warm thank you goes to John Wocher and Howard Reed whose knowledge and interest has sparked a new life into this section and given reason for a new overhaul. In 1682, the head of the Kuroda domain (the ancient name of an area in Fukuoka), invited a master of Imari ware to start creating porcelain together with Hachinojo. Mid 20th century. Markings can be in almost any color, with red dominating Kutani, but black on green, and gold on red are common also. Mark: "G" in a wreath. Three kiln sites remain today: Naeshirogawa (white pottery), Ryumonji (black ceramics), and Tateno (white pottery). NID cookie, set by Google, is used for advertising purposes; to limit the number of times the user sees an ad, to mute unwanted ads, and to measure the effectiveness of ads. Eiwa Kinsei appears to be mostly an export ware dating from the 1950s and later. A little journey to Vantine's by Elbert Hubbard (Author), The Roycrofters (1912). 799. Marks on export porcelain: In 1891 the McKinley Tariff Act was instated, requiring items imported into the United States to be marked in English with the country of origin. wp_woocommerce_session_81e9378f656c3a4efb930caadcd84c84. A warm thank you also goes to John R. Skeens, Florida, U.S.A. and Toru Yoshikawa for the Kitagawa Togei section and to Susan Eades for her help and encouragement towards the creation of the Moriyama section. Date 1945-52. Underglaze blue mark reads Genroku sei (Made by Genroku). The range of distinct Japanese porcelain marks often made from ceramic, porcelain and metal can elevate any home. Collected in the Chita peninsula, Tokoname high-iron content clay turns reds after firing, in a process called shudei (unglazed reddish-brown pottery). Izegara type dish, transfer printed decoration, impressed mark: 749. If you want to learn more about kyusu check out our guide to Choosing the Best Traditional Japanese Teapot. Japanese pottery: with notes describing the thoughts and subjects employed in its decoration and illustrations from examples in the Bowes collection. During the Meiji period (1868-1912), the production decreased but nowadays, the creative spirit is still alive. This mark could be related to. Mark: The letter "T" in a wreath, below it says Japan. Japanese porcelain with Japanese 'Imari' decoration. Iidayafu boasts a distinctive shade of red. Kasama ware is strongly resistant to dirt and suitable for daily use. Mark: Crossed Imperial Chinese and Japanese flags with the Turkish crescent moon and star in-between, referring to Mr AA Vantines business relations with these three countries. The years below are all tentative and we have no firm data on specific years. HIRA, Occupied Japan period (1945-52). Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Each of these unique Japanese antique marks was constructed with extraordinary care, often using ceramic, metal and porcelain.Japanese antique marks have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. 1040. 246. Koishiwara ware's uniqueness lies in its patterns, applied while rotating on a potter's wheel. Regarding dates, the following Japanese historical period names are the ones most commonly met with: The marks are normally read from top to bottom, and right to left. Ucagco was primarily a distributor of dinnerware and glassware. During firing, Hagi ware also changes color. They also bear the names tensho guro or hikidashi guro (to pull out). At your own pace, you can sift through several images on websites providing information specifically about Japanese pottery and porcelain marks. 578. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Lusterware (or lustreware) developed by Noritake but the majority of lustreware pieces are made by other companies. The oldest marks are black and gold marks found on lithophane Geisha wares. Tobe-yaki () is produced around the city of Tobe on the island of Shikoku. During the Edo period (1603-1868), in 1669, the potter Takatori Hachinojo discovered a new type of clay and started working with it. Mark: "NIPPON HAND PAINTED", Blue pagoda. Tea bowls were highly valued and treated as treasures. Japanese distribution company. Around the beginning of the 17th century, Agano ware was being made for the increasingly popular tea ceremonies. 679. Hagi Ware (Yamaguchi) 8. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Date 1945-52. The three most famous varieties: Imari ware (or Arita ware) from Saga Prefecture, Mino ware from Gifu Prefecture and Seto ware from Aichi Prefecture are the perfect starting points to understanding the art of Japanese ceramics. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. In the top line, the top right and top left characters are read together as "Nippon" (as in No.6 above). Comprising both ceramics and porcelain, sometimes produced in the same kiln, Aizu-Hongo is area with the longest history of white porcelain production in northeastern Japan. Kasama ware then established under protection of the Kasama domain, producing bottles, jugs, and tableware. Okura porcelain is still made today under the name of Okura China Ltd, with its headquarter in Totsuka, Yokohama. Unknown mark. Around the year 1640, white porcelain mineral was discovered by Koseki's son. Japanese porcelain. If they appear, they are strongly suggestive of Japan as origin, but should be combined with a general view of the piece itself to be more certain. It's also guaranteed authentic hence the high value for a Made in Occupied Japan item. Small family kiln in Arita. 588. Often accompanied by stamped FOREIGN export mark; Taish period See examples on eBay , Kutani generic mark on Kutani-yaki porcelain and ceramics See examples on eBay , Kutani another version of generic Kutani red mark that reads Kutani-sei (Made in Kutani) See examples on eBay , Meigyoku gilt Satsuma pottery mark on black backround that reads Dai Nippon, Satsuma Sei, Meigyoku Ga (Great Japan, Satsuma-made, painted by Meigyoku) and with Shimazu crest above; Meiji period See examples on eBay , Momota Kutani porcelain signed Momota Zo See examples on eBay , Momota alternative Momota Zo Kutani porcelain mark inside a black fan-shaped background with gold border. A short tutorial on how to recognize and identify Japanese Satsuma pottery.Josh will take a quick look at the pottery itself, the glaze applied to the potter. Kyusu are fired using shidei clay that contains a large amount of iron. The A-Z of Japanese Pottery: 32 Most Popular Ceramic Styles, What Are Ochoko? The differentiating feature of Aizu-Hongo-yaki () is its varied types of decoration including a blue ore named asbolite, traditional Japanese dyes, enamel, and western paints. Great Savings & Free Delivery / Collection on many items Tentative date 1940-50s. Fuji and the Japanese characters "Nichi Hon" (Nippon) = Japan, late first half of the 20th century. YouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data. PayPal sets this cookie to process payments on the site. Hokkaido / Otaru pottery / Hakodate pottery. Shinos golden age was the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1600). However, the cost of supplies was high, and the kiln was closed after three years. During the Edo period (1603-1868), the production of sake bottles and earthenware pots started. One of them were the Takita company, whose mark was T&T in two rectangles. Date 1940s-50s, 1343. 748. Early 20th century. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Mark: Maruyama Toki Yamashiro Ryuhei, Seto, Aichi province. I believe that all signs so far points towards that printed marks occurred until trade difficulties during early WWII made export to the west difficult. In the 1640s, ceramics with a red design named aka-e became the symbol of the Kakiemon-style ceramic. Mark including "Kaga no Kuni" meaning that these ceramics were produced in Kaga Han (today Kanazawa). This cookie is used to count how many people use nthe website in a day. Porcelain gifts and decorative accessories. Backstamps - old. "GOLDCASTLE MADE IN JAPAN", Mid 20th century, 1950-60s. The Cooperative of Kasamayaki, Tea Set by Akira Otsu. Chinese children playing is a pattern often depicted on Mikawachi ware. Maybe a "war effort period" mark around 1935-40 due to its simplicity. During the Meiji period (1868-1912), Kyoto-Kiyomizu ware expanded to foreign markets. Featuring patterns under its glaze, it has a beautiful soft red color and bubbly texture enhanced by feldspar glaze. Literature indicates that Iga ware was being manufactured as early as the Nara period (710-794). The diamond/rectangle pottery mark with the "T-T" mark is found on much of their lustreware production and so likely dates from the 1920' and 30's when this decoration style was fashionable. Dish. 11. Probably 1950s. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Iwate / Kokuji pottery / Dai pottery. Modern, late 20th century. Mark: The 2 characters are read from right to left. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. They can indicate the name of the factory, the potter, the decorator, the pattern, the customer, the exporter, the importer or both or a part of them or maybe just say "Made in Japan", "Japan", "Nippon", "Happiness" or "Good luck" in any number of ways. During the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1600), tea ceremony culture flourished and Iga ware featured wave-like patterns, particularly appreciated for the feeling of wabi-sabi they evoked. However, in stamped versions it also occurred on mass produced export wares well into the 1930s. 14. 55. Dye is applied directly on ceramics and painted designs are placed onto the unglazed pottery. Weight: Medium: Pottery/Ceramic. Japanese porcelain. "YAMAKA". New York 793. The Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo, White Porcelain Basket, Meiji Era. Kutani is an ancient place where pottery was made in 1655. In other words, this term reveals the country of origin of these items, not their maker. It is NOT the name of a particular company or maker or artisan. This is a listing of the better-known marks and backstamps and enough information so that you can learn more about your porcelains. They describe the various pottery of Japan as follows: Mail order catalogue 1917. (Nippon is the Japanese name for Japan.) 789. Elephant mark. There are various Kutani styles, using distinctive colors. Nowadays, Arita ware simply describes pieces baked in Arita, and Imari ware, those are produced in Imari. Thanks to Patricia Thompson dated to "somewhere between the years of 1926 & 1929". Japan National Tourism Organization, Kutani Ware Plate. Examples of the work that each of these makers has produced or decorated can be found in the Makers: examples data file. - Unknown mark. Late 20th century, 1950-60s. The pottery items have a double-wall, a unique technique that cannot be found in any other type of Japanese porcelain, making a perfect insulation for hot liquids. Koishiwara-yaki () is manufactured in the Asakura district of Fukuoka prefecture. Kanji resembling a "pi" symbol over a house: This .is a generic mark, but it's also related to Kutani porcelain. 1202. The Noritake site provides an email address to which images of backmarks, or maker stamps, can be submitted for review. Seto-yaki () is produced around the cities of Seto and Owariasahi, in Aichi Prefecture. Mid 20th century. Ko-Kutani and mokubeifu feature green, Prussian blue, purple, red, and yellow, and are commonly referred to as Kutani gosai ("the five Kutani colors"). It is not a Noritake mark, but is similar in design to those made during that period. 1223. Muza-chan, Sanshu Onigawara Crafts, Hasedera Temple, Kamakura. Porcelain was produced in Arita for the first time in 1616 under the control by the feudal lord of Nabeshima, or the present Saga Prefecture. 626. Step One Search your Japanese pottery or porcelain piece for identifying marks, usually found on the bottom of the item. Sugar bowl with celadon glaze and enamels. This cookie is necessary for the PayPal login-function on the website. Due to its high level of fire resistance, Iga ware is famous for its plain, strong, and reddened surface. Dating back to the 16th century, Arita porcelain has a global reputation for its quality. Rankings - How Japanese Rate Their Artists. The booklet seems to date to the mid-late 1930s. Unconfirmed identity but could be. Mark: H.SAJI JAPAN. Mark "Made in Japan" over two characters "Bibi". "Lustre ware". 921. 900. Noritake Collectors Guild - Your Network To Noritake Knowledge The most famous dye is asbolite, an indigo blue paint. "Souvenir - Japan", "Flower" mark in shape of five "M". SongTeaWare. Bought new around 1960 according to the owner. By the end of the 19th century, Seto ware had become highly prized in the west and even influenced the Art Nouveau movement in Europe. A rough guess on a date would be late 19th century/early 20th century before 1920s. It includes celadon and white porcelain, carbonization, as well as different textures and finishes such as glossy and matte. Around 1930. Beware though, it can become an obsession. The black type of Satsuma ware is called kuromon. Japanese Imari Porcelain was first made in the late Momoyama/Early Edo period (turn of the 17th century). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Mino Ware, Shino Type Chawan (Tea Bowl) with Shinkyo (Bridge of the Gods), Momoyama period, Late 16th Century. Sources that suggest "Made in Japan" was used from 1921 to 1940 and "Japan" after May 1952 are not correct. Identification by name - Check under or behind the figurine for the Made in Occupied Japan . In a totally different style, tanuki (Japanese raccoon dog) statues made from Shigaraki clay have become extremely popular. The US patent Office mark registration was abandoned October 29, 1984, however they are still using the trademark. In 1941 the offices of the Morimura Brothers Export Co were closed and the "M" as in Morimura inside the wreath was changed to an N as in "Noritake", a name it would not officially have before 1981. Yamagata / Hirashimizu pottery / Shinjohigashiyama pottery / Narushima pottery / Honma pottery / Miyama pottery. The style of pattern design is Satsuma influenced (probably from Kyoto, not Kyushu) based on the way the gilding is applied, the design of the rim, the color of the rim ground and from the way a Satsuma trained artists portrayed weeping wisteria (a favorite of Satsuma floral designs). A mark looking like a bee hive, was first used the last of December 1957. Pictures that depict the sacred horses revered by the former Soma clan are hand-painted on the ware. Japanese porcelain, "Fine Porcelain China, Japan, "W", "Diane" (pattern), Retro style decoration, later part of 20th century, tentatively 1970s. It is difficult to identify them unless there is an example available to assist identification. Each kiln has its unique traditions but as long as the pieces are manufactured in certain areas of Kyoto, they are considered Kyoto-Kiyomizu ware. Probably last quarter 20th century. Aomori / Hachinohe pottery / Tsugaru pottery / Towadako pottery. This page lists some of the many maker's marks found on antique Japanese porcelain and ceramic objects including Arita porcelain, Kutani porcelain, Seto porcelain, Satsuma pottery and others. Appearance of Kinkozan studio mark can vary greatly based on the decorator and quality of the piece. However, during the Meiji period (1868-1912), Japan modernized and the demand for pottery diminished. Issued by Microsoft's ASP.NET Application, this cookie stores session data during a user's website visit. The Senoue kiln was then established in 1836 and the Shodai ware techniques developed. Web design and content as it appears here Jan-Erik Nilsson 1996-document.write(new Date().getFullYear());. Photo Tours of Japan's Most Important/Popular. Mark is, 1. Bizen-yaki () is a form of pottery created in the area around the city of Bizen, in Okayama prefecture. 905. At Japan Objects Store, we work with some of the finest artisans and kilns from Bizen to bring you handcrafted sake sets, teacups and vases that you will treasure for years to come! Its history begun in the Edo period (1603-1868), when a Shigaraki ware potter called Choemon instructed the head of Hakoda village about pottery. 445. The domain lord of Kutani sent a potter to learn ceramics techniques in Arita. Bizen ware developed during the Heian period (794-1185) with the production of daily use bowls and roof tiles. It stands at 5-inches on a 7 x 3 -inch base. The porcelain seems like early to mid 20th century. Echizen ware is notable for being fired without decoration or enamel, resulting in a simple texture. The two characters immediately below the "rising sun" reads, from. Early 20th century. Style suggests a post WWII date, possible 1960s. Determining Age and Value We Recommend Home Hacks & Answers At the end of the 17th century, pottery covered with white glaze to look like porcelain was highly appreciated for daily use. Their surfaces are not glazed and have a natural rough texture. Japanese writing can be left to right, right to left, horizontal, or vertical, but not diagonal. Date probably 1930s. Kyoto-Kiyomizu ware pigments contain large amounts of glass; consequently, their colors seem almost transparent. While the three are considerably different, together they represent the vast range of style, colors and products you can find in Japan. There are nowadays many kilns in activity, and artisans still pursue traditional techniques. Suitable for daily use, Izushi ware pieces have a silky gloss and are mainly used as tableware. Kiln in Saga Prefecture that began production at the beginning of Meiji (1868-1912) period and still operates today. During the Meiji Period (1868-1912), the production of this most valued of Japanese pottery prospered and comprised tableware, tables, lanterns, and flower vases. In 1921, the official country of origin name requirement was changed to "Japan", thus creating a defined time period 1891-1921 in which wares were marked Nippon. Kamada Kji's tea ceremony bowls and larger works are signed with the kanji character for "Ko" - the first in his given name. During the Imjin War, also known as the Porcelain War, the lord of the Satsuma domain brought back eighty pottery masters from Korea and opened various kilns. Its offices were based in New Orleans and New York. At the end of the Edo period (1603-1868), it was revived by the antique dealers and brothers Mori. During the Meiji period (1868-1912), the rise of Arita and Seto ware led to a period of decline for Shodai ware. Mark: "T T" in two rectangles. "Rainbow colored decoration". 723. Mark: 903. 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". 1479. Sazen Tea, Yokkaichi Banko Ware, Nasugata (Eggplant) Teapot by Masaki Tachi. Karatsu yaki often features black iron glaze and white straw ash glaze, or speckled Karatsu. Pieces marked with JAPAN or MADE IN JAPAN in plain text without any company marks, in general date to the period immediately after the second WW.