Often asked: How To Match And Identify Japanese Characters On Antiques?

How can you tell if a Japanese vase is antique?

How to Tell If a Vase Is Antique

1. Look for a mark on the bottom of the vase.
2. Look at the composition of the glass.
3. Look at the bottom of the vase.
4. Look for an overmark, which is a stamp placed on the bottom of a vase over the original maker’s mark.
5. Look for a NIPPON mark.

How do you identify Japanese figurines?

Examine the figurine for markings. Older porcelain and ivory figurines (before 1891) will be marked with the Japanese characters of the maker’s name. From 1891 to 1921 the mark “Nippon” was used for export pieces. The mark ” Japan ” denotes a piece dating from 1921 to 1941.

What is a Nippon mark on a vase?

Nippon basically means “made in Japan.” When you see a “ Nippon ” mark on the underside of a base of a piece of ceramic, you know that you have a piece that was made in Japan.

How can you tell the difference between Chinese and Japanese pottery?

You can identify Chinese Imari by its brighter white and more purple-toned blue. The red over-glaze is also thinner and closer to orange than in Japanese pieces. Chinese Imari is generally more finely potted than Japanese, with a very even glaze.

Are items 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.

Is Japanese porcelain valuable?

However, some antique Japanese porcelain continues to demand high prices, such as a Nabeshima dish or a rare Kakiemon bowl, ranging in price from $15,000 to $60,000. It has become customary for some collectors to call Japanese blue and white porcelain wares, Arita, and the more colorful wares Imari or Kakiemon.

Which is older Japan or Made in Japan?

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. After that, just the word “ Japan ” was used again.

When did Japan stop using Nippon?

It was manufactured in Japan (“ Nippon ” means “ Japan ”) from 1865, when the country ended its long period of commercial isolation, until 1921.

What is Imari pattern?

Imari is a style of porcelain named after the Japanese port from which it was shipped to the West, beginning in the late 17th century. The most frequent Imari palette revolved around three main colors—the blue underglaze, plus a rusty reddish-orange and a brilliant gold.

How can I tell if my vase is valuable?

Coarseness along the mold mark, crackling or bubbles in glass, asymmetry of shape and a strong luster or iridescence are a few telltale signs that your vase is the real deal instead of a reproduction or forgery.

How do you identify an antique vase?

How to Tell If a Vase Is Antique

1. Look for a mark on the bottom of the vase.
2. Look at the composition of the glass.
3. Look at the bottom of the vase.
4. Look for an overmark, which is a stamp placed on the bottom of a vase over the original maker’s mark.
5. Look for a NIPPON mark.

How do you date in Dragonware?

Start with marks. If it is marked Nippon is 1891 – 1921. Dragonware that is marked Made in Occupied Japan dates from 1946 – 1947. If it is just marked Made in Japan then you will need to take a closer look at the design to help in determining age.

Is porcelain Chinese or Japanese?

Inspired by both Chinese and Japanese wares, porcelain was made commercially in Europe from the late seventeenth century. The designs and forms of Chinese and Japanese ceramics continue to reverberate throughout the world today.

What’s the difference between Chinese and Japanese art?

Here are some basic differences: Chinese art is known for its paper and silk paintings, made by brushstrokes, usually in black or colored inks. Japanese art has various art forms, such as woodblock prints, ink painting, oil paintings, and calligraphy.

How do you identify Imari porcelain?

Imari porcelain often features intricate designs of animals, flowers, patterns or symbolic objects. Examine the piece for signs of age. General signs of age in a piece of porcelain include tiny, cracklike marks called crackling, deterioration or scratching of the glaze, and faded or discolored design.