It is one of the most confusing issues for inexperienced ceramics collectors. Examine ceramics for Japan and you notice that some pieces are marked Nippon, some pieces are marked Occupied Japan, and other items are just marked Japan. What, if any, is the difference? And, what do the different marks mean for ceramic prices?
Nippon
Ceramics, along with other products made in Japan between 1891 and 1921, are marked Nippon (the Japanese word for Japan). If you find the marks Nippon and Japan on the same piece, it means that the ware was created later. The Nippon mark does not indicate one manufacturer, only that something was made in Japan.
The old Nippon mark included the words "Hand Painted" (above a rising sun) and the word "NIPPON" (below the sun). Ceramics marked Nippon are valued like all other ceramics. Prices are determined by: age, condition, manufacturer, scarcity and size.
Japan
Between 1921 and the end of World War II, ceramic pieces made in Japan were marked "Japan." In addition, items marked after the occupation of Japan (following World War II) may be marked just Japan. Prices are also determined by age, condition, manufacturer, scarcity and size.
Also, marks on items made in Japan might be found in Chinese characters. And, Japanese marks may be incised, painted, or stamped.
Occupied Japan
Between the end of World War II and April 18, 1952 (the end of the occupation), items made in Japan were marked with the identification "Occupied Japan." It is also believed that a large portion of the items made during this time were not marked "Occupied Japan."
The Occupied Japan mark has a T inside an O, in the middle. Then, across the top is the word OCCUPIED and across the bottom is the word JAPAN.
Occupied Japan collectibles are becoming more and more valuable. Important note: If you have two identical pieces, one marked Occupied Japan and one marked Japan, only the one marked Occupied Japan is considered valuable. The pieces may be identical but the mark increases the value of the Occupied Japan piece.
Comparisons
Like all ceramics, prices are based on: age, condition, manufacturer, scarcity, and size. Condition is judged by chips, cracks, and repairs. More than average lowers the price of a piece, less than average raises the price of a piece.
In general, Nippon marked pieces are the most valuable of the three marks (Nippon, Japan, and Occupied Japan). They are the oldest pieces and often more elaborate. Many Nippon marked pieces are done in Art Deco style. A 5 ½ inch pitcher done in the Art Deco style will be about $150. Considering the pitcher as the low end of the current Nippon market, the high end would be a large (24 inch) vase with a great deal of gold. The vase would cost approximately $6000 to $7000.
Occupied Japan pieces, on the other hand, are more reasonably priced. A 5¼” mug will cost $25 to $30. And, a complete dinnerware set that serves eight, including a platter and two serving bowls will only cost you $350.
Pieces marked Japan are harder to categorize. They may have been made anytime after 1921 and should be judged on the same criteria as other ceramics. The important difference is between the Nippon mark (without the addition of the word Japan) and the Occupied Japan mark.
Current Bargains
Internet auctions currently offer the most convenient and reasonably priced way to expand Nippon and Occupied Japan collections. One site offered several hundred pieces of Nippon ceramics. Of particular interest was a 10-½” vase that with one-hour left to bid had a current high bid of $152.
That sounded a little expensive until I checked a current book. I found a similar vase listed for $375.
An important word of warning: Whether buying Nippon ceramics in person or over the Internet, look for the mark described earlier. Without it, you may be buying a reproduction.
I found even more examples of Occupied Japan ware at another site. I found a figurine of a colonial couple, made into a lamp, going for $25. Meanwhile, I could find a very similar figurine in a book for $50. Other bargains included a bird figure for $12.50 and a floral tea and cake set for $78.
Another important word of warning: Whether buying Occupied Japan in person or over the Internet, look for the mark described earlier. Without it, you are buying an item that has little if any value.
Deborah Miller has been a professional writer for 17 years. She saw her first memorable antique when she was four and started attending antique and collectible shows when she was six. She maintains a collection of depression glass, Jade-ite, flutes and recorders, and Wedgwood for her own personal use.
Deborah Miller has been a professional writer for 17 years. She saw her first memorable antique when she was four and started attending antique and collectible shows when she was six. She maintains a collection of depression glass, Jade-ite, flutes and recorders, and Wedgwood for her own personal use.
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