Gotheborg.com - The Antique Chinese Porcelain Collectors Page

Japanese Porcelain marks

Japanese porcelain marks and backstamps are different from the Chinese. The old Japanese ceramic industry was with few exceptions a mere fraction of the Chinese. The production from design to sale was organized in a much smaller scale. Where the Chinese differentiated and made "everything", the Japanese specialized and made maybe only, teacups. Where the Chinese invented assembly line mass production, the Japanese had 'master potters', changing his signature as he went. Thus, we find a totally different philosophy behind the marks on the Japanese porcelain. They are more numerous, they can indicate the name of the factory, the potter, the decorator, the pattern, the customer, the exporter, the importer or maybe just say "Made in Japan", "Japan", "Nippon", "Happiness" or "Good luck" in any number of ways. Increasing the confusion are the hundreds of porcelain decorating firms active in the early to mid 20th century simultaneously putting many different marks on the same wares seemingly at random but probably for some reason. To take just one example, the Noritake company which has been active for about one hundred years only, are thought to have used over 400 different marks. That is four different marks per year, for a century.

To immediately gain a better understanding on the many names that occurs in Japanese pottery and porcelain I believe the map available here that indicates the most common kiln areas (blue names) and cities (names in red) is a great help.

Regarding dates, the following period names are the ones most commonly met with: The period 1603-1867 (commonly referred to as the Edo period) is roughly split into early, middle or late Edo. Sometimes the Genroku era (1688-1703) are distinguished. The Edo period are followed by Meiji (1868-1912), Taisho (1913-1926), Showa (1926-1988) where "early Showa" is often used to cover the Showa reign before 1945, and Heisei (1988-today).

The method used is empirical and that of the arts historian. Comparison with documents, files and archaeological data has been made when possible.

The marks are normally read from top to bottom, and right to left. 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. One simple and easy guide to reading & writing Japanese is Ed Florence Sakade & al. J Bowes, Japanese Marks & Seals is very helpful as is Koop & Inada, Japanese Names. It is a very unrewarding task to go through lists of marks and signatures as the below in the hope of finding the exact one to match yours, however a modest amount of study can produce a big difference. Beware though, it can become an obession.

"Some Suggestions for Souvenir Seekers" (Mid 1930s)

To further our understanding of 20th century porcelain marks Elyce Litts recently submitted some notes from a little booklet entitled "Some Suggestions for Souvenir Seekers" produced by the Japanese Government Railway. The booklet seems to date to the mid-late 1930s. In addition to descriptions and photo examples of numerous types of pottery and porcelain including where they are made, it has a list of Souvenir Dealers. They are in English without the Japanese equivalency because the book was aimed at English-speaking tourists, but I'll list them below in the hopes that perhaps some of them can be linked to known marks. They describe various pottery:

Satsuma porcelains - mainly produced in and around the city of Kagoshima in Kyushu. Wares of this type are finished in ivory lustre with fine crakles (sic). They have a picture of a number of artisans sitting at the traditional low Japanese tables hand painting vases.

Arita procelains - produced in the prefecture of Saga, also in Kyushu.

Kutani porcelains - produced in the prefecture of Ishikawa in the Hokuiku district of Honshu (Japanese main island) On the whole Kutani porcelains are characterized by their elaborate picture decorations in thick gold, red, blue and some other colours.

Kyoto wares Rakuyaki of Kyoto has been closely connected with tea ceremonies since olden days. Porcelain wares well-known as Awata-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki are among the souvenirs of Kyoto.

Seto ware. The province of Owari with Nagoya as its commercial and indisutrial metropolis is the greatest ceramic centre [of Japan] so far as the amount of products ... Owari produces so many varieties of porcelain and stoneware that the Japanese familiarly speak of porcelain and pottery in general as "setomono" after the village of the same name in this province.

Bizen ware (Okayama Preferecture) characterized by their peculiarly humorous figures of gods, birds and beasts

Banko wares (Mie Prefecture) which are mostly unglazed

Awaji wares (Awaji island) monochromatic with a bright yellow or green glaze

Soma pottery (Fukushima Prefecture) on which a picture of a horse is usually seen.

Souvenir Dealers:

TOKYO:
Department Stores: Mitsukoshi; Matsuya; Matsuzakaya; Takashimaya; Shirokiya and Imperial Hotel Arcade.
Porcelains: Fukagawa Porcelain Manufacturing Co.; Koran & Co.

YOKOHAMA: Department Stores: Nozawa-ya; Matsu-ya;Echizen-ya;Sagami-ya
Porcelains: Tashiro Shoten; Nikko Shoten; Nakanoya; Glory Shokai; S. Oda; Miyakawa; R. Inone
Curios: Owariya; K. Takahashi; Kaneko; S. Shibata

KYOTO:
Department Stores: Marumono; Takashimaya; Daimaru
Porcelains: Kinkozan, Hiraoka, Kyoto Porcelains

OSAKA:
Department Stores: Mitsukoshi; Daimaru; Hankyii; Nankai-Takashimaya; Matsuzakaya; Sogo; Takashimay; Izutsuya; Mikasaya.

KOBE:
Curios: T. Shibata; Harishin; K. Nikko; K. Yoshida & Co.
Department Stores: Daimaru; Mitsukoshi; Sogo
Porcelain & Laquer: Chujyo Shoten; Harishin; Koshiishi Shoten; Miyazaki Shoten; K. Nikko; Ogurusu & Co.; Suzuki & Co.; Taniguchi & Co.; William Rae; Gengan Yamamoto; Yamato Bros. & Co.; K. Yoshida & co.

The booklet gives the street addresses of all shops as well. Hopefully this contribution by Elyce Litts will greatly help our understanding of 20th century Japanese porcelain marks.

Unfortunately I have no further information on the marks published here, or of similar marks but not published here, than what is already here to read. For further discussions on antique Chinese and Japanese Ceramic Art you are most welcome to sign up with the Gotheborg Discussion Board .

If you would like my personal help or opinion on something there is a possibility to email me a question and help support the site at the same time. Click here to ask a question.

Jan-Erik Nilsson
gotheborg.com


A A VANTINE & COMPANY
Around the 1840's Ashley A. Vantine started a provision and supply business in San Francisco. He continued in California until 1869, when he came to New-York and established himself in the Oriental goods business, opening his first shop for oriental wares in New York in 1869 on Broadway, near Eighth-street. A few years later he moved to 831 Broadway, and from there, in 1883, to 879 Broadway. Mr. Vantine traveled a great deal, particularly to China and Japan, crossing the Pacific sixteen times and made six visits to Turkey and Southern Russia. The company seems to have began their business in Yokohama, Japan, already in 1865 for the purpose of manufacturing wares for export to the West. They even started a mail order business and came to have their own factories in Yokohama and Nagoya, Japan. A catalogue from 1917 is preserved at the University of Delaware Library. The text states that the book "enables you to rest comfortably at home in your easy chair, and, at your leisure, select by mail, with absolute confidence, from the largest collection of Oriental goods in America." Offerings include not only toys, but clothing, perfumes, jewelry, and pottery. The business seems to have shut down around 1951.

Mail order catalogue 1917. Vantine's, the Oriental Store. New York
Ashley Abraham Van Tine 1821-1890, Geneaology home page (outside link)
A little journey to Vantine's by Elbert Hubbard (Author), The Roycrofters (1912)

895. Mark: Crossed Imperial Chinese and Japanese flags with the Turkish crescent moon and star in-betwen, refering to Mr AA Vantines business relations with these three countries. Tentative date: c. 1910-20's.

Click here to see large picture

771. Mark: Crossed Imperial Chinese and Japanese flags with the Turkish crescent moon and star in-betwen, refering to Mr AA Vantines business relations with these three countries. Tentative date 1930-40s.

Click here to see large picture

772. Mark: Crossed Imperial Chinese and Japanese flags with the Turkish crescent moon and star in-betwen, refering to Mr AA Vantines business relations with these three countries.

Click here to see large picture

789. Mark: Crossed Imperial Chinese and Japanese flags with the Turkish crescent moon and star in-betwen, refering to Mr AA Vantines business relations with these three countries. From the look of the porcelain designs I would suggested the 1920-30's for this piece.

Click here to see large picture



AEROZON
Aerozon is a trade mark made up from 'air' and 'ozone'. I occurs on German smoking acessories, air cleaners as in perfume burners, nightlamps etc. for which many porcelain bodies were made, some of them in Japan. The mark occurs between 1910-1933 by AEROZON-Fabrik, Georg und Berthold Sternberg, Berlin. In 1933 AEROZON-Fabrik Schwarz & Co, Berlin, seems to have been owner for a few months, the extent of involvment has so far not been possible to determine precisely. From 1933-1940, owned by August Brünell. From 1940 the company is used by Hermann Feese, and later his son Artur Freese until today. The company's name today is Feese Dekorative Leuchten. A catalog from 1954-63 occurs with 'Aerozone' products from Metallwarenfabrik Hermann Feese also in Berlin. All according to a German collector's web page. (Information updated by, Simone Loebsin, 2008.)
37. "ORIGINAL AEROZON", The 2 characters are read from top to bottom NICHI and HON, which read together as Nippon (= Japan). Date after 1940, tentativly around 1958/1959 - 1962/1963.
55. "ORIGINAL AEROZON", The 2 characters are read from top to bottom NICHI and HON, which read together as Nippon (= Japan). Date after 1940.


Aiko - Arita
Aoki, unknown meaning possible a family name. Porcelain made at Arita kiln
1193. Mark: Mark: Aoki, unknown meaning possible a family name. Porcelain made at Arita kiln. Bowl. Diameter 12", height 5".

Click here to see large picture

948. Mark: Aoki, unknown meaning possible a family name. Porcelain made at Arita kiln. Tentative date c. 1950.
1058. Mark: Aoki, unknown meaning possible a family name. Porcelain made at Arita kiln. Plate with one firing support mark.

Click here to see large picture



Ardalt
The double A mark of Ardalt A, seems to have been a trademark for tableware, dishes, jars and vases registered by ARDALT Inc. Corp., 95 Madison AVE., New York and first used in 1945. On some pieces the trademark 'Lenwile' occurs which was also registered by the ARDALT Inc., in 1945, for use on figurines and statuettes. Both marks have been used on Japanese pieces. The name Ardalt occurs also on pieces from other countries.
1095. Ardalt figurine. Probably mid 20th century.

Click here to see large picture

109. ARDALT. Mid 20th century.


ARITA

CLICK HERE FOR A MAP >>

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. Arita ware is also called Imari ware because the products of the Arita kiln were mainly shipped from a nearby port of Imari. Arita porcelains of the early days were typically made in the Chinese style of the period, with deep-blue patterns on a white background, called sometsuke = "blue-and-white". In the 1640s, a new style called aka-e" was invented, characterized by bright colors and bold patterns principally in red. These two styles, "sometsuke" and "aka-e," dominate Japanese "Arita/Imari" wares. The products of the 17th and 18th centuries are typically called "Ko-imari" (old Imari) and "Ko-sometsuke" (old blue-and-white).
880. Arita porcelain food (rice) bowl with Japanese 'Imari' decoration. Mark: Fuki Choshun, four Kanji characters that stands for Wealth, Nobility, Longevity and Youth, often used during the Edo period (1603-1867) on Arita Imari. Meaning: good fortune and long life'. Very common on Imari dishes. Tentative date: 1820-50.

Click here to see large picture

883. Japanese porcelain with Nabeshima looking enamel decoration. Mark: Fuki Choshun, four Kanji characters that stands for Wealth, Nobility, Longevity and Youth, often used during the Edo period (1603-1867) on Arita Imari. Meaning: good fortune and long life'. Very common on Imari dishes. Date: this dish probably Meiji (1868-1912) period.

Click here to see large picture

884. Japanese porcelain with Japanese 'Imari' decoration. Mark: Fuki Choshun, four Kanji characters that stands for Wealth, Nobility, Longevity and Youth, often used during the Edo period (1603-1867) on Arita Imari. Meaning: good fortune and long life'. Very common on Imari dishes. Date: this dish probably Meiji (1868-1912) period.

Click here to see large picture

903. Japanese porcelain with Japanese 'Imari' decoration. Mark: Fuki Choshun, four Kanji characters that stands for Wealth, Nobility, Longevity and Youth, often used during the Edo period (1603-1867) on Arita Imari. Meaning: good fortune and long life'. Very common on Imari dishes. Date: this dish probably Meiji (1868-1912) period.

Click here to see large picture

795. Mark: "Zoshuntei Sanpo (or Sampo) Zu. Good quality, mid 19th century, Japanese 'Imari' decorated exportware. This was an Imari company name or trademark used from about 1840 to 1870.

Click here to see large picture

872. Mark: "Zoshuntei Sanpo (or Sampo) Zu. Meaning: Made by Zoshuntei Sanpo, whose real name was Tsunemasa Yojiro Hisatomi. This is a company name, or trademark, used from about 1840 to 1870. He was one of the first potters in the Arita area who was granted an export permit by the Lord of the Arita han (province), in 1841. This was also the first time it was allowed to put a signature on pieces exported from Arita except Fuku (Happiness), or copies of Chinese reign marks. Good quality, mid 19th century, Japanese 'Imari' decorated exportware. Date: 1845-65.
912. Mark: Saishintei Keiko (Woman's name), however J Bowes in Japanese marks & seals reproduces the same mark which he gives as 'Saishintei Sisi' (male name). Japanese porcelain, probably Arita. Early 20th century.

Click here to see large picture

500. Mark: Kozen? Arita Yamaki zo

Click here to see large picture

59: The two red characters are: Bi jutsu = "beautiful artwork" which are probably a brand name or product line. The three black vertical characters read "IMARI". Imari porcelain. Modern mark, 1990-2000
608: The two red characters are: Bi jutsu = "beautiful artwork" which are probably a brand name or product line. The three blue vertical characters read "IMARI". Imari porcelain. Modern mark, 1990-2000
679. Japanese "Imari" decoration. Modern mark, late 20th century.
482. Japanese "Imari" decoration. Modern mark, late 20th century.

Click here to see large picture

584. Fuku - "Happiness". Arita, Imari porcelain. Meiji period, around 1880 - 1900.

Click here to see large picture

129. Seal reading Arita-yaki - , the left being a single character, early to mid 20th century.
743. "Arita" Modern mark, Late 20th century.

Click here to see large picture



Arnart Imports Inc.
Arnart Imports Inc. is still in operation and is currently located in 230 Fifth Avenue, New York. The company specializes in Porcelain gifts and decorative accessories. First registrated trade mark is the Crown and A's mark registred April 30, 1953. A mark looking like a bee hive, was first used the last of December 1957. Both were cancelled in 2001.
952. Arnart Imports Inc., mark registred in 1957. Cancelled June 6th, 2001.
953. Arnart Imports Inc., Crown and A's mark in use since April 30, 1953. Cancelled February 17, 2001.
954. Arnart Imports Inc., Crown and A's mark in use since 1953 combined with the 'bee hive' in use since 1957, both cancelled in 2001.
955. Arnart Imports Inc., Royal Carlton, was registred for porcelain tableware, in 1957; Royal Crown was registred for use on animal and bird figures 1965 - 1987. Several similar 'Royal' marks with a crown and a brand mark exists, all from the second half of the 20th century.


AWAJI
Awaji wares (Awaji island) monochrome ceramics with bright yellow or green glaze
1054. Awaji ware probably 'Early Showa'.

Click here to see large picture

1055. Awaji ware, probably 'Early Showa'.

Click here to see large picture

1136. Japanese Awaji ware from 'Early Showa' where Showa was 1926-1988 and 'Early Showa' is often used to cover the Showa reign before 1945.

Click here to see large picture



BIBI
Might be the mark of a shop or trading company that commissioned pieces for sale, and got pieces from various kilns marked like this. The mark occurs on several pieces of which some are almost identical to Kutani. Recent information has it that Bibi is the name of a family import firm that imported porcelain from Japan to Lebanon during the 1950s and 60s. This porcelain had a Bibi mark on it and was sold in Beirut. The family might also have had a porcelain import business in Palestine in the 1930s and 40s before they were forced to flee in 1947.
919. Mark "Made in Japan" over two characters "Bibi".

Click here to see large picture

920. Mark: "Bibi".


Bijutsu Toki
431. Mark: Bijutsu Toki. Second half of 20th cent./modern. Satsuma looking cracled glaze.


Dai Nippon (Great Japan)
It is generally accepted that marks that includes "Dai Nippon" in Japanese characters on the whole date to the Meiji (1868-1912) period, reflecting the greatly increased nationalism of that period. However, in stamped versions it also occurred on mass produced export wares well into the 1930s.
1218. Mark: Dai Nippon. Plate in Satsuma style but on porcelain, from around 1935. The decoration is of Kannon with a rakan on each side of her. This type of wares made heavy use of moriage or raised enamels. The mark on the back of the plate is a generic one meaning Dai Nippon or "Great Japan". These wares were mass produced for export during the Taisho (1913-1926) & early Showa (1926-1988) period. It is difficult to say exactly where in Japan it was produced

Click here to see large picture

1230. Mark: Dai Nippon. Plate in Satsuma style but on porcelain, best guess, late 1920s. The decoration is of Kannon with two rakans on each side of her. Displayed above the figures is the cross in circle mon of the Shimazu family crest. This type of wares made heavy use of moriage or raised enamels. The mark on the back of the plate is a generic one meaning Dai Nippon or "Great Japan". These wares were mass produced for export during the Taisho (1913-1926) & early Showa (1926-1988) period. It is difficult to say exactly where in Japan it was produced

Click here to see large picture

1039. Mark reads Dai Nippon Shimada Zo, and looks typical of those on 'Satsuma' but is in 'Kutani' style probably decorated in Yokohama. As for a date, in spite of the "Dai Nippon" mark that would indicate Meiji (1868-1912), this could be later though and the mark just carried over from Meiji to Taisho (1912-26). The porcelain is thus likely to be from the first decades of the 20h century.

Click here to see large picture

1245. Mark: "Dai Nichi Hon" (Great Japan), mid 20th century. This marks however printed gives an example of marks that includes "Dai Nippon" in Japanese characters occurs well after the Meiji (1868-1912) period.

Click here to see large picture

599. Mark: Dai Nippon Ji mei or ni mei, Tsukuru - "Great Japan ... Made". It is generally accepted that marks that includes "Dai Nippon" in Japanese characters on the whole date to the Meiji (1868-1912) period, reflecting the greatly increased nationalism of that period. Mark from tea set which was bought probably in Czechoslovakia between 1915 and 1935, made from a fine, almost translucent porcelain. Date: Early 20th century.

Click here to see large picture

694. Mark: Dai Nippon 'Choko sei' or 'Nagae sei' "S.N.", early 20th century.

Click here to see large picture

701. Might read Dai Nippon Zao - "Great Japan Made". If so the "pon" character is very simplified in this particular case. It is generally accepted that marks that includes "Dai Nippon" in Japanese characters on the whole date to the Meiji (1868-1912) period, reflecting the greatly increased nationalism of that period. Possibly Kutani, 1900-1920.

Click here to see large picture



CPC
609. C.P.C.

Click here to see large picture



Cherry Blossom Marks
In 1924 a mark know as the "Cherry Blossom", in the shape of five "M" was sub-contracted by the Nippon Toki Kasha Company (Noritake Company) to independent companies making porcelain for export the USA Market. I have here collected a number of these and similar marks with the likelyhood of a relatioin to the Noritake sales organisation, the US market and a possibly date to the mid 1920s.
1088. Mark: Mt. Fuji and the Japanese characters "Nichi Hon" (Nippon) = Japan, late first half of the 20th century.

Click here to see large picture

1093. Pitcher. Mark: Cherry Blossom and within Japanese characters beginning with "Naka" and second character is "Cho" or "To". It was produced for export, not in Japanese taste and is of lesser quality. Tentative dated first decades of the 20th century.

Click here to see large picture

104. Mark: Cherry Blossom in the shape of five "M". Mark sub-contracted to independent companies making porcelain for the USA Market, by the Nippon Toki Kasha Company (Noritake Company). Date: c 1924.
626. Nippon/Noritake. The "T N" could be "Tame & Nakamura" of "Moriyama style". "Flower" mark in shape of five "M". Early 20th century
Souvenir - Japan 722. "Souvenir - Japan", "Flower" mark in shape of five "M". Early 20th century.

Click here to see large picture

527. Might be of the Hotta Yu Shoten & Co. The use of the word "Shoten" indicates the name for a shop which is selling products from its own kiln. In either case they seems to have went out of business in 1947. This mark likely to be from the 1920-30's.

Click here to see large picture

824. Literally hundreds of companys produced dinnerware with European or Western style designs. It is not a Noritake mark, but is similar in design to those made during that period. Many of these companies were in business for very short periods of time. Style suggests a post WWII date, possible 1960s.

Click here to see large picture

1038. Literally hundreds of companys produced dinnerware with European or Western style designs. It is not a Noritake mark, but is similar in design to those made during that period. Many of these companies were in business for very short periods of time. Style suggests a post WWII date, possible 1960s.


Chikaramachi branch factory of Noritake
Chikaramachi, Made In Japan. In use on porcelain made at the Noritake factory, Chikaramachi branch, during 1928-1946. Mark occurs in black and red. Porcelain intended for the United Kingdom market uses "Foreign" instead of Made in Japan. Same factory also used a mark with a crown inside a wreath. After the Noritake Morimura Gumi period that ended 1946, the factory changed name to Hinode Shokai.
928. Mark: chi kara machi. Lusterware (or lustreware) type porcelain. Date: Mid 20th century

Click here to see large picture



Ei
293. Mark: Ei, in Chinese: "Yong" (Eternity).

Click here to see large picture



Eiraku
The Eiraku lineage were important and historically significant potters in Kyoto from the 18th Century right through to the present day. In Chinese this mark would read same as the Ming emperor Yongle (1404-1424).
1246. Mark: ei and raku, Eiraku lineage of potters of Kyoto or the studio. Silver or gold work over a red enamel ground is quite typical for Meiji (1868-1912) period Eiraku pots. This bowl probably late Meiji or Taisho (1913-1926).

Click here to see large picture

1249. Mark: ei and raku, Eiraku lineage of potters of Kyoto or the studio. Silver or gold work over a red enamel ground is quite typical for Meiji (1868-1912) period Eiraku pots.

Click here to see large picture



Eisho
41. Mark: Eisho.


FINE CHINA OF JAPAN
804. Japanese porcelain, "Fine China Japan, "Golden Rose" (pattern), "MSI". Retro style decoration, later part of 20th century. '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. The M$ might indicate that the set was marketed under the name of 'Signature Series'
805. Japanese porcelain, "Fine China Japan, "Platinum Wheat" (pattern), "MSI". Retro style decoration, later part of 20th century. '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 and Platinum Wheat. The M$ might indicate that the set was marketed under the name of 'Signature Series'
807. Japanese porcelain, "Fine China, Japan, "1221", "English Garden" (pattern), Retro style decoration, later part of 20th century, tentatively 1970's.
806. Japanese porcelain, "Fine Porcelain China, Japan, "W", "Diane" (pattern), Retro style decoration, later part of 20th century, tentatively 1970's.


G
793. Mark: "G" in a wreath. This marks also occur with the addition of "Occupied Japan", while we can assume this mark dates to the early 1950's.

Click here to see large picture



Gakou Yamaguchi Kogetsu
915. Mark: Gakou Yamaguchi Kogetsu

Click here to see large picture



GIFT CRAFT
Toronto based Canadian company established in the 1940s and still active. Import and sells gift wares from all over the world. Early products seems to be mostly Japanese. Canadian trademark GIFTCRAFT filed 1941-11-03.
415. Mark G C (Gift Craft). Mid 20th century.
632. Mark G C (Gift Craft). Mid 20th century.
1223. Mark G C (Gift Craft). Mid 20th century.

Click here to see large picture



Giokusei, Seto/Nagoya
886. Japanese porcelain. Mark: Giokusei. Mid Japan Seto/Nagoya/Kutani area, possible Nagoya ware. Regarding the the first character, this can be Gioku or tama, and the second as Sei-, Sho-I or -noi. A normal Satsuma reading would be Giokusei, as a town, Tama-noi, as an actors name Tama-i. Date: early 20th century.

Click here to see large picture



Goldcastle
753. Mid 20th century, 1950-60's.

Click here to see large picture

759. "GOLDCASTLE MADE IN JAPAN", Mid 20th century, 1950-60's.


GOLD IMARI
The Word Mark 'GOLD IMARI HAND PAINTED' was first used in the US on Japanese poircelain the 1st of december 1959. The applicant was Arita Bussan Co., Ltd. Corp. Japan No. 8, 3-Chrome Iida-Machi, Higashi-Ku, Nahoya, Japan. The mark was abandoned October 29, 1984.
691. Mark: Gold Imari. Mid 20th century.
1139. Mark: GOLD IMARI HAND PAINTED


"HAND PAINTED" / "JAPAN", Sundry
596. "L'amour China - Hand Painted". This mark occur also with "Made in Japan" under it. Most likely dating to the 1940-50's.
720. "Hand Painted - Nippon - "Japan". Date probably 1920's.

Click here to see large picture

688. IE&C Co (?) - Unknown mark. Early to mid 20th century.
815. Mark: "NIPPON HAND PAINTED", Blue pagoda. Date hard to suggest. The use of NIPPON was generally discontinued after 1921 but this mark could be later than that.


H.SAJI JAPAN, Seto, Dai Nippon
938. Sugar bowl with celadon glaze and enamels. Mark: H.SAJI JAPAN Dai Nippon Sa Ji Sei = Great Japan, Saji Made. "Saji" seems to be a name, one possibility is that it is just referring to the Japanese name for Seji" = Celadon. Best guess from looking, is a Seto/Nagoya or perhaps Yokohama product. Regrding date, it is generally accepted that marks that includes "Dai Nippon" in Japanese characters on the whole date to the Meiji (1868-1912) period, reflecting the greatly increased nationalism of that period. In this case a likely period is 1910-30.

Click here to see large picture



HIRA
50. HIRA, Occupied Japan period (1945-52). Slightly overdone marks, with colored backgrounds like this, on the whole seems to date to the period immediately following the second WW.
750. "M.T. HIRA". Probably 1950's. I am not sure if HIRA and M T HIRA are the same company.

Click here to see large picture



HIRADO
The Hirado kilns that produced almost all Hirado ware were located at Mikawachi, some 7km distant from Arita.
899. Mark: Mikawachi Nagamoto-za, or Tsukuru.. Meaning: "Mikawachi Nagamoto made". Hirado eggshell porcelain dekorated in Kutani (red painted) aka-e style. Mikawachi is the location of production, Nagamoto is the probably independent decorator, rather than also being the maker of the porcelain, which is cheap and probably bought in for "value-adding" by decoration. Perhaps Nagamoto-san identified a market niche by decorating cheap Hirado table ware in Kutani aka-e style. The lidded bowls found in Holland. Date last decades of the 19th century.

Click here to see large picture



Imitating Chinese Ming marks
Porcelain with marks imitating Chinese marks of the Ming period were made at the Arita kiln during the 19th century and possible earlier. Marks of this type is collected here awaiting further studies.
881. Arita porcelain dish with Japanese 'Imari' decoration. Mark copying Chinese; Da Ming Chenghua Nian Zhi Meaning: "Great Ming Chenghua made". Date: Taisho (1913-1926) period.

Click here to see large picture

946. Mark: Tai Ming Chenghua Nian Zhi, meaning "Greatest (sic) Ming Chenghua made". A common mark on Imari porcelain, a mixed-up and carelessly written Chenghua mark; the extra dot in the fist Da character changes the meaing from Da (great) to Tai (greatest). In Chinese this mark would read Tai Ming Chenghua Nian Zhi and in Japanese; Daimin Seika nensei however it is usual to read these Japanese-Chinese marks in Chinese, to not add to the confusion. Date: Imari porcelain is difficult to date but being this mainly an 18th-19th century mark and considering the style of the bowl a suggestion for the date is end 18th century/early 19th century.

Click here to see large picture

929. Mark: Da Ming Chenghua Nian Zhi, Chinese style mark, meaning "Great Ming Chenghua Period Make". Decorative mark from late 20th century.

Click here to see large picture

945. Mark: Japanese interpretation of the Chinese period mark Chenghua Nian Zhi

Click here to see large picture



Imura, Yokohama
421. Mark: Nippon Yokohama Imura tsukuru.
Mid to late 20th century


Izumi, Nippon
1. Mark: The kanji character inside the fan is Izumi. The 2 characters outside the fan are read from left to right as Hihon (Nippon) = Japan. Date: likely around 1900.


JAPAN - MADE IN JAPAN
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. The name "Nippon" was chosen for items coming from Japan. (Nippon is the Japanese name for Japan.) 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. Previous to 1891, items were either not marked at all, or marked with Japanese characters. During the period 1921-1941 porcelain should be marked "Japan" and roughly after 1941, marked "Made in Japan", though numerous exceptions appears to occurs.

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. Some come with the addition of OCCUPIED JAPAN.

Made in Japan 721. "Made in Japan". Date 1940's-50's

Click here to see large picture

725. "Made in Japan / Occupied". Date 1945-52.

Click here to see large picture

975. Mark: Symbol plus "Made in Japan", date: c. 1950.

Click here to see large picture

986. Mark: "Made in Japan", Japanese lustreware figure, probly c 1950.
800. Unidentified mark on pottery planter, 1950's ?

Click here to see large picture

528.


Juzan gama
937. Mark: Juzan gama

Click here to see large picture



K
748. Capital "K" in a wreath. Mid 20th century.

Click here to see large picture

877. Mark: "K", "Hand painted Japan", ( unknown ) K could possible stand for Kyoto. Tentative date: 1920-40.

Click here to see large picture

896. Mark: "K", unknown. Tentative date: c. 1920-50's.

Click here to see large picture



KB
941. Mark: "KB Japan", Date: probably c. 1950.


KS
724. "K.S. - Hand Painted, Made in Occupied Japan". Date 1945-52.

Click here to see large picture



Kawata sei, Dai Nippon, Yokohama
699. Mark: Dai Nippon Yokohama Kawata sei, Early 20th century. It is generally accepted that marks that includes "Dai Nippon" in Japanese characters on the whole date to the Meiji (1868-1912) period, reflecting the greatly increased nationalism of that period.

Click here to see large picture



Kawato - Yokohama, Kutani influenced
1282. Bowl. Mark: Nippon Yokohama, Kawato Zo, (decorated by Kawato), Kutani influence. Size: Diameter 6" / 15 cm across, height 3" / 7.5 cm. Date Taisho to early Showa.

Click here to see large picture



Kissho - "Lucky omen"
27. The right hand character is Kichi, the left hand character is Sho. Read from right to left they read Kissho = Lucky omen.


Kitagawa Togei company (ARITA)
Small family kiln in Arita. Established in 1951 by Kitagawa Ihei with his 5 sons, after having worked as a free lance since 1913. The kiln is still in business today.
558. Large dog figurine.


Kosan
1083. The mark probably reads Ko san yo, meaning the Kosan kiln. Tentative date: Second half 20th century probably around the 1960-70s.

Click here to see large picture



Kozan ?
510. Mark: Kozan

Click here to see large picture



M and Wreath marks
These marks might or might not have been manufactured by the Noritake company. More than 400 marks are suggested to have been used by Noritake alone. Most pieces marked Nippon also seems to have been manufactured by Noritake. For a limited list of known Noritake backstamps, see the separate Noritake section.
22. Mark: M - ORIENT - CHINA


MARUKU CHINA
11. MARUKU CHINA, Japan, Moriage dragonware typ of porcelain. Marks featuring a crown like this, on the whole seems to date to the period immediately after the second WW, i.e. late 1940's-early 1950's.


Maruyama Toki Yamashiro Ryuhei, SETO
979. Mark: Maruyama Toki Yamashiro Ryuhei, Seto, Aichi province. Date c. 1920-30s

Click here to see large picture



Maruto Mu
483. Maruto Mu Ware.

Click here to see large picture

689. Maruto Mu Ware.


Matsumura
982. Mark: Matsumura zo. Tentative date given raised enamels and yellow/pink enamels probably late Taisho into early Showa, or around 1920s.

Click here to see large picture

1140. Vases. Mark: Matsumura Zo or "Made by Matsumura". They are in a style often seen in Yokohama decorated pieces and have some Kutani influence, but Matsumura is a relatively common name. Tentative date given raised enamels and yellow/pink enamels probably late Taisho into early Showa, or around 1920s.

Click here to see large picture



Matsubara ?
882. Mark: Matsubara. Tentative date around 1930s.

Click here to see large picture



Matsukawa, Dai Nippon
730. Mark: Dai Nippon Matsukawa. It is generally accepted that marks that includes "Dai Nippon" in Japanese characters on the whole date to the Meiji (1868-1912) period, reflecting the greatly increased nationalism of that period.

Click here to see large picture



Mineta
893. Mark: Mineta. Tentative date: c. 1910-20's.

Click here to see large picture



Mokusen
580. Mark: Mokusen

Click here to see large picture



Moriyama
Moriyama Pottery was located in MoriMachi in Shizuoka prefecture. Moriyama Pottery was established in 1911 by Hidekichi Nakamura who was taught pottery making by Seison Suzuki. There are currently four studios continuing the Moriyama tradition in and around Morimachi and they are Seison, Seizon, Nakamura and Tame. There seems to be two primary stamps: one appears to be a crown with a wreath of leaves similar to the wreath found on the Noritake stamp. This stamp is marked "Moriyama Hand Paint Japan." The other is a bouquet of flowers and is marked "Moriyama Made in Japan." The MM MARK, stands for 'Moriyama Morimachi' and has been referenced to the Moriyama Factory at Morimachi Shizuoka Prefecture Japan.
574. Flower basket mark

Click here to see large picture

575. Flower basket mark, Occupied Japan period (1945-52)
388. Moriyama Mori-machi. The porcelain seems like early to mid 20th century. Thanks to Patricia Thompson dated to "somewhere between the years of 1926 & 1929".

Click here to see large picture

402. Moriyama Mori-machi. The porcelain seems like early to mid 20th century. Thanks to Patricia Thompson dated to "somewhere between the years of 1926 & 1929".

Click here to see large picture

696. Moriyama Mori-machi. The porcelain seems like early to mid 20th century. Thanks to Patricia Thompson dated to "somewhere between the years of 1926 & 1929".

Click here to see large picture

1069. Moriyama Mori-machi. The porcelain seems like early to mid 20th century. Thanks to Patricia Thompson dated to "somewhere between the years of 1926 & 1929". Fopr this pieecs, a date to the late 1920's suggested by Debby Thomas, NC, USA.

Click here to see large picture



NTC
747. "NTC", Mid 20th century.

Click here to see large picture



Nagoya ?
887. Japanese porcelain. Possible Nagoya (Mid Japan Seto/Nagoya/Kutani area) early 20th c.

Click here to see large picture



Nagoya Seito Sho - N&Co, Nagoya, Nippon - Narumi Seito Sho - Meito China
In 1908 Nagoya Seito Sho Company was founded by Kotero Asukai, former employee of Noritake. Other Noritake artisans were soon to follow to teh new company why this porcelain might bear a close resemblance to Noritake porcelain. Their wares was also market Meito China. During the WWII the company was sold and the name changed to Narumi Seito Sho. The Meito China mark continued to be used after WWII with variations in the crown logo mark. Some porcelain with Meito China marks are found with the addition "Made in occupied Japan".
684. N&Co Nagoya Nippon Porcelain. Purchased in the U.S. in the early 1920's

Click here to see large picture



Nikko
811. Japanese porcelain. Mark "Nikko". Most likely date is the 1950's. The porcelain is probably bought directly in Japan, since there are no western characters in the mark. The reading of this combination is nikko (sunlight/sunshine). Top character can be read as Nichi, or jitsu. The bottom character can be read as Ko meaning light or shine. If read alone day or sun are the common meanings, combined it is Nikko. 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).

Click here to see large picture



Nishiyama
925. Mark: Nishiyama. Japanese porcelain. Probably Arita/Imari/Sasebo, but not typical. Date: probably 1970-80.

Click here to see large picture



Neifu (Ch.)
The mark Neifu (Ch.) appears on Chinese porelcelain from the Kangxi period and onwards. This mark is a copy of Chinese Bleu de Hue (Glossary) porcelain for the Vietnamese market.
1278. Dish. Mark: Neifu (Ch.). Japanese transfer printed copy of Chinese export porcelain intended fpor the Vietnamese market. Date 1935-45.

Click here to see large picture



Nippon
The word "Nippon" in western characters means "Japan" and occurs on most Japanese wares from around 1890 until the early 1920's. From 1891 imports to America were required to be marked with the country of origin, in western characters. Thus Japanese exports (to America) were marked with "Nippon" in english from this date to 1922, when the requirement was changed to that the word "Japan" should be used. These are the so-called "Nippon wares". However, the rule doesn't apply in other countries nor always in America becuase sometimes paper labels and the like was used. So while finding a back stamp saying "Nippon" is a useful dating aid its absence is not determinative.

See also special page on: Noritake

283. "Rising sun" Nippon. This mark is probably related to Noritake. Mark probably in use 1890-1921.
677. "Rising sun" Nippon. This mark is probably related to Noritake. Mark probably in use 1890-1921.
6. "Rising sun" Nippon. This mark could be related to Noritake. Mark probably in use during 'Early Showa' where Showa was 1926-1988 and 'Early Showa' is often used to cover the Showa reign before 1945. Simiular printed marks occur on dated screen printed porcelains as late as 1958. The 2 characters below the "rising sun" are read together as "Nippon"=Japan.
14. "Rising sun" mark
534. Mark: GR within Rising sun with the addition of "Made in Japan", suggesting a date to the latter part of the 1940s.
1190. Mark: Japanese characters within Rising sun with the addition of "Made in Japan", suggesting a date to the latter part of the 1940s.

Click here to see large picture



Nichi Hon (Nippon)
7. Mark: "Nippon", meaning: Japan.
12. Mark: "Nippon", meaning: Japan.
13. Mark: "Nippon", meaning: Japan.
42. Mark: "Nippon", meaning: Japan.
71. Mark: The 2 characters are read from right to left. They are the characters NICHI and HON which together read as Nippon (=Japan). Mid 20th century
24. The 2 characters above the Gothic "A" read from left to right, are NICHI and HON, which read together as Nippon (= Japan). A rough guess on a date would be late 19th century/early 20th century befor 1920's.
905. The 2 characters above the "A(L)" read from left to right, are NICHI and HON, which read together as Nippon (= Japan). A rough guess on a date would be early 20th century, before 1920's.

Click here to see large picture

740. Nippon "Japan". Mid 20th century, 1930's (before WWII).

Click here to see large picture

876. Nippon "Japan". Mid 20th century, 1930's (before WWII).

Click here to see large picture

9. Unconfirmed identity but looks like Mount Fuji and a stream. The 2 characters below the picture are read together as Nippon (= Japan). Mark similar to those of Fukagawa. It is possible that this and similar clear red stamped or printed marks actually belongs to the occupied Japan period (1945-52). The red dot following the Japanese character is unexplained.

Click here to see large picture
Pictures curtesy of Prof. Dr. Karl Heinz Glätzer, Germany

19. Unconfirmed identity but looks like Mount Fuji and a stream. The 2 characters below the picture are read together as Nippon (= Japan), similar to Fukagawa.
680. Japanese export ware. Unconfirmed identity but looks like Mount Fuji and a stream, similar to Fukagawa. Thought to date to the 1920's or slightly thereafter.

Click here to see large picture

246. Unconfirmed identity but looks like Mount Fuji and a stream, similar to Fukagawa.

Click here to see large picture

Souvenir - Japan 723. Mark: Mt. Fuji, a stream, and "Made in Japan", c 1930. Unconfirmed identity but could be Yokoi Sei-Ichi Shoten which closed in 1942. Mark similar to Fukagawa.

Click here to see large picture

1091. Dragonware tea set. Mark: Nichi Hon (Nippon). Tentative date, c. 1950.

Click here to see large picture



Nippon Tokusei (Japan Special Made)
These marks appears to belong to the 'Early Showa' period, where Showa was 1926-1988 and 'Early Showa' is often used to cover the Showa reign before 1945.
10, 15, 16, 18. The characters immediately below the "rising sun" read from right to left as Nippon (=Japan). The two characters written vertically read Nippon Tokusei i.e. "Japan special make" or "Specially made in Japan".
This Nippon Tokusei mark might be from a revival period, at the end of the 1950s. The characters immediately below the "rising sun" reads on this mark form left to right (which is quite modern) as Nippon (=Japan). The porcelain is of a very white and glassy type and the decoration as well as the mark seems to be transfer printed with some not too advanced technique, leaving a textile pattern to the printed decoration. You can also see that the beams in the sun are more even than the 'older' ones, and that the characters below the sun are so even also they appears to be printed.
1132. The characters immediately below the "rising sun" read from left to right as Nippon (=Japan). The two characters written vertically read Nippon Tokusei i.e. "Japan special make" or "Specially made in Japan". Tentative date secong half of the 1950s.

Click here to see large picture, mark # 1132

This mark is Nippon Tokusei mark but with two unidentified characters ("mountain" = san something) probably 1900-30's.
778. The characters immediately below the "rising sun" read from right to left as Nippon (=Japan). The two characters written vertically read Nippon Tokusei i.e. "Japan special make" or "Specially made in Japan". The two chartcters below is probably the name of the factory.

Click here to see large picture



Nippon Yoko Boeki Co
404. Mark of "Nippon Yoko Boeki Co." "wreath with a bow at the bottom and a clover" The word "JAPAN" is printed in dark green or black with also a faint blue or purple letter that looks like an "S". The factory is still in operation.
683. Mark of "Nippon Yoko Boeki Co." "wreath with a bow at the bottom and a clover"
1040. Mark of "Nippon Yoko Boeki Co." "wreath with a bow at the bottom and a clover".

Click here to see large picture



OK
589. "OK" company mark, dragonware. 1930-50 Tajimi City or Seto?

Click here to see large picture



Okuyama
427. Mark: Okuyama.


Okura Art China
Okura Art China was the forebear of the famed Morimura group of companies such as Noritake (Founded in 1904 as Nippon Toki Kaisha, Ltd. Now, Noritake Co.), TOTO (Toyo Toki Kaisha, Ltd. established in 1917 at Kokura to produce Earthen­ware, Chinaware and Sanitary ware. Now, Toto Ltd.), N.G.K. (Nippon Gaishi Kaisha established in Nagoya, 1919), and INAX.

Okura Art China was established in 1919 in the suburb of Kamata in Tokyo by Magobei Okura and his son Kazuchika who were both amongst the 6 founders of the Noritake company in 1904. Okura pieces were made by hand and were of choice material, targeting the top segment of the market. Marks include "OAC Noritake" and a 5 lobed trademark. Okura porcelain is still made today under the name of Okura China Ltd, with its headquarter in Totsuka, Yokohama.



Rokuzo
891. Mark: Rokuzo under a Japanese gate of honour. Japanese porcelain. Probably mid Japan 'Seto' area. Tentative date: 1920-40's.

Click here to see large picture



S
35. Mark: Above "Made in Japan" a capital "S" superimposed upon a system of four triangles within a fifth triangle. Stamped.


SPP
606. Mark "SPP". Marks featuring a crown like this, on the whole seems to date to the period immediately after the second WW, i.e. late 1940's-early 1950's.

Click here to see large picture



SAMURAI
Any information on "Genuine Samurai China" would be appreciated.
499. "Genuine Samurai China"

Click here to see large picture

573. "Genuine Samurai China" Patent No. is I05665

Click here to see large picture

607. "Samurai". Info on this mark: This Samurai china was bequeathed to me by my late Mother. I understand that it was given to her by her Mother. They lived in Limehouse, London at the turn of the last century, which was London's original Chinatown and central to all the docks, the East India docks, Victoria docks etc. They had no other connection with the far East. The pieces are clearly marked in a semi circle of orange letters on the bottom. All the marks are off centre, slightly to the right.


Sango
752. Mark: Sango, Fine China, Mid 20th century, tentaively 1960's.

Click here to see large picture



Sanko Toen
156. Read in traditional manner: Sanko Toen, "sanko" = mountain-wide, and "toen" = pottery garden.
416. Read in traditional manner: Sanko Toen, "sanko" = mountain-wide, and "toen" = pottery garden.


SEIEI & CO
The SEIEI & CO were in business before WWII and seems to have shut down in 1962.
738. Mark: Bird in Circle, "Hand painted, Made in Japan". "Lustreware". Around 1930.

Click here to see large picture

939. Mark: Bird in Circle, "Hand painted, Made in Japan". "Lustreware". Around 1930.

Click here to see large picture



SETO
Owari Province is modern Aichi Prefecture. Owari produces so many varieties of porcelain and stoneware that the Japanese speak of porcelain and pottery in general as "Setomono" after the village Seto, slightly north of Nagoya. Nagoya is the commercial and industrial metropolis of Owari, and the greatest ceramic centre in Japan so far as the amount of products counts. See page: Seto


SHIBATA
78. Shiba ta To-ki - "Shibata Porcelain", Late 20th century
88. Shiba ta To-ki - "Shibata Porcelain", Late 20th century
123. Shiba ta To-ki - "Shibata Porcelain", Late 20th century


Shuzan
535. Mark: Shuzan. Fukiyaki?


Suzuki Co.
17. In the top line, the top right and top left characters are read together as "Nippon" (as in No.6 above). The centre top and centre bottom characters are the vertical characters in No.10, whilst the lower right and lower left characters may read from right to left as "SUZUKI". The two characters written vertically read Nippon Tokusei i.e. "Japan special make" or "Specially made in Japan".

Click here to see large picture

423. Mark: Suzuki [two characters] below a cipher/mark of a company/establishment.
984. Mark is for Suzuki Company, a distributor which had pieces made with its mark for sale and distribution. Presumably mid-20th century.

Click here to see large picture

1133. Mark is for Suzuki Company, a distributor which had pieces made with its mark for sale and distribution. Presumably mid-20th century. This piece dates to around 1958.

Click here to see large picture

30. Mark: Dai Nippon Suzuki. The 3 rather shadowy characters within the square appear to be "Dai" + "Nichi" + "Hon" which would be read as "Dai Nippon" (= Great Japan). Under the square Suzuki Unconfirmed identity but looks like it could be Mount Fuji and a stream. Mark similar to Fukagawa.
936. Mark: Suzuki "Made in Japan", Date: early 20th century

Click here to see large picture

949. Mark: Suzuki, imported to France.

Click here to see large picture

73. Mark: "Nippon Suzuki Co. Patented" combined with a double "C". This mark is the import mark of Carl Claussen & Co. Berlin-Lankwitz, Germany, in short C. & Co.. The company was in operation from 1920-1974. This mark is likely to have come into use after 1945, when Carl Claussen returned home after WW II. After 1965 the company was run by his daughter. (Interview in May 2008, by Simone Loebsin.)


T
845. Mark: The letter "T" in a wreath, below it says Japan. Lusterware (or lustreware) developed by Noritake but the majority of lustreware pieces are made by other companies. One of them were the Takita company, whose mark was T&T in two rectangles. This could be a version of a Takita mark, or just a similar mark. Date: probably late 1920's to early 1930's.

Click here to see large picture



TMK
588. Mark: "TMK CHINA". Marked with "geisha girl" lithopahe which seems to date this dish to the late 1940's/early 1950's.

Click here to see large picture



Takahashi company
67. Seal reading Takahashi Shokai (shokai also means company). Late 20th century.


TAKITO COMPANY
The Takito company 1880-1948, is mostly known as one of those specializing on the Lustreware type of decoration originaly developed by the Noritake company but pieces with moriage decoration in Moriage a'la Kyoto Satsuma on porcelain, are also common. Between 1891 to 1921 the products should be marked 'Nippon'. Marks later than 1945 usually comes with the addition of "Made in Occupied Japan ".
849. Mark: "T T" in two rectangles. Date: probably late 20's to early 1930's when this type of ware was mostly in vougue.
904. Mark: "T T" in two rectangles. Date: probably 1922-44.

Click here to see large picture



Tashiro Shoten Ltd, Nagoya
Tashiro Shoten Ltd porcelain shop in Yokohama which were active before WWII up until 1954. The use of the word "Shoten" indicates the name for a shop which is selling products from its own kiln. The years below are all tentative and we have no firm data on specific years. Carol Bess White, Made in Japan books has it that Goldcastle, CHIKUSA belongs to Tashiro Shoten Ltd in Nagoya, Japan. Other names used by Tashiro Shoten are "Trico", "Trico China", "Royal Trico", and two logo marks: Elephant above MADE IN JAPAN and TA within a cherry blossom flower.
154. Elephant mark. Tashiro Shoten Ltd. 1930s. The company seems to have shut down in 1954.
138. Elephant mark. Found on a tea set with raised dragon motif on each piece and a "copperish" glaze on the inside. Tashiro Shoten Ltd? Tentative date based on looks late 1930s to 40s.
681. Elephant mark. 1930's. Tashiro Shoten Ltd ?
682. Elephant mark. 1930's. Tashiro Shoten Ltd ?

Click here to see large picture



Tezuka Kinsei, Tokuyama
714. Mark: Tezuka Kinsei, Tokuyama, c 1910-20

Click here to see large picture



Tokyo
432. Mark: Tokyo. Early to mid 20th cent.

Click here to see large picture



Ucagco - United China and Glass Company
UCAGCO actually means United China and Glass Company. Its offices were based in New Orleans and New York. Ucagco was primarily a distributor of dinnerware and glassware. They were the distributor of many Japanese china patterns during the early 1950's. United China & Glass Co. Inc., better known as UCAGCO, dating back to 1850. Founded by Abe Mayer and originally called Abe Mayer & Co., the importer did business throughout the Southeast U.S. as well as Central and South America. It wasn't until the 30s that the company took on the official trademark of UCAGCO and began expanding overseas. In fact, after the war, the company's agent in Japan, S.A. Stolaroff signed the very first contract allowing imports from Japan. A talented ceramic designer himself, Stolaroff worked alongside many Japanese potteries to lead the company's line of ceramics. In 1956, UCAGCO was sold to Sammons Enterprises and in 1962, Stolaroff, who had become the company's president, retired.
445. Ucagco company. They were very prolific during the Occupied Japan era, this mark is found on some of the better pieces. Most pieces marked this way dates from c. 1947 to 1961. Mid 20th cent.
1072. Ucagco company "Occupied Japan". Date 1945-52.
1202. Ucagco company mark under a crown mark. Tentaive date, c. 1950

Click here to see large picture



Uchida
348. Mark: Uchida.
349. Appears to be Uchida.


W
I have started to wonder if maybe all these "wreat"-marks maybe are Noritake porcelain in disguise. The W could be an up-side down M and so on. In 1941 the offices of the Morimura Brothers Export Co were closed and the "M" as in Morimura inside the wreat was changed to an N as in "Noritake", a name it would not officially have before 1981. Still the trade must have continued even under the OJ period.
576. Mark: W in a wrerath.


WH
819. Mark: WH. Wishbone and Horseshoe mark. Japanese porcelain. Possible date 1950's.


Yago - Kutani with subcontracted decorations
After extensive discussions on the Gotheborg disussion board I will tentatively list "yago" marks under a separate heading. It has been put forth that the "^"-character or yago is a shorthand word meaning "house", "house name", "roof" or "under the roof of" indication a family workshop. Other sources sees the Yago as a symbol for Mount Fuji in Japan. The kanji character ya also makes up a part of the kanji character tani meaning valley, possibly refering to Ku-tani, mening Nine Valley.
894. Mark "Kawai", Made in Japan. "Rainbow colored decoration". Tentative date 1940-50's.
907. Mark: Kou, Company mark under Dai Nippon Tsukuru. It is generally accepted that marks that includes "Dai Nippon" in Japanese characters on the whole date to the Meiji (1868-1912) period, reflecting the greatly increased nationalism of that period. Date: Late 19th century

Click here to see large picture

1090. Mark: "Dai Nichi Hon" (Great Japan) over a sign meaning "roof/house" and the number "three", early 20th century. It is generally accepted that marks that includes "Dai Nippon" in Japanese characters on the whole date to the Meiji (1868-1912) period, reflecting the greatly increased nationalism of that period.

Click here to see large picture



Yamaka
749. "YAMAKA". Late 20th century, 1950-60's.

Click here to see large picture



Yamatoku (Mountain virtue)
Kiln in Saga Prefecture that began production at the beginning of Meiji (1868-1912) period and still operates today.
1096. Impressed mark: Yamatoku (Mountain virtue). Mark when impressed is in 'katagana' characters. Arita, Imari porcelain. On Igezara transferware plates this mark occurs mostly around 1910-20.
1090. Impressed Mark: Yamatoku. Yamatoku kiln started in the early Meiji (1868-1912) period and is still operative today. This plate appears to be from mid 20th century.

Click here to see large picture



Unidentified Seal Marks
921. Mark: Might be saying "Imari" in Chinese. Date: 20th century.

Click here to see large picture

634. Mark: In Chinese: Rong Hau Jin Zhi - "Rong Hau (name) Respectfully Made. Modern ware, probably 1990's.

Click here to see large picture

799. Japanese porcelain, Imari style decoration, printed mark. Date: modern c. 1990-2000.

Click here to see large picture

935. Late 20th century.
742. Mark: ? zan, Late 20th century.

Click here to see large picture

53. This mark is typical of "seal characters". It is difficult to identify them unless there is an example available to assist identification.
595.

Click here to see large picture

668. Unknown mark. Kyu getsu? Butterfields' guess "late 19th century", my guess, "mid 20th century or later"


SUNDRY
The following marks are still to be sorted into groups. Help appreciated.
45. Mark imitating a laquer seal, with mythological animal
536. Unknown.
578. Tea or coffee set. According to family history this should be before 1914 and possibly as early as 1890's.

Click here to see large picture

29. Inscribed Baitei [bai=plum; tei=garden]; sealed Bai [alternate Japanese reading Ume – both mean plum
58. Mark: Dragon Seal. Could possible be Chinese but, unknown.
33. Green enamels on black. Unknown.
900. Japanese export porcelain. Mid to late 1920's.

Click here to see large picture

This page originally came to be thanks to a donation of mark pictures from Karl-Hans Schneider, Euskirchen, Germany, in 1999, which gave me a modest but nonetheless beginning. Of the many later contributors I would especially want to mention Albert Becker, Somerset, UK, who were the first to help with some translations and comments. His work was than greatly extended by Ms. Gloria S. Garaventa after which Mr. John Avery looked into and corrected some of the dates. Most of the Satsuma marks were originally submitted by Ms. Michaela Russell, Brisbane, Australia. A section which was then greatly extended by Ian & Mary Heriot of which a large amount of information still awaits publication. 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. For the last full overhaul of the Satsuma and Kutani sections, thank you to Howard Reed, Australia. The most recent larger contribution was made by Lisa M. Surowiec, New Jersey, USA. In 2004 my warm thank you goes to John Woucher and Howard Reed whose knowledge and interest has sparked a new life into this section and given reason for a new overhaul. Thank you all for your interest in and contributions to our knowledge of the 20th century porcelain.

All material submitted by visitors and published anywhere on this site are and remain the copyrighted property of the submitter and appears here by permission of the owner. All expressed opinions are my personal, based on photos and the owners submitted descriptions. They are not to be used for any financial or commercial decisions but for educational and personal interest only and can and will be changed here as further information merits. Web design and content of all pages as they appear on on gotheborg.com © Jan-Erik Nilsson, 1993-2008.