Hand Painted Nippon Vase Value Guide

Hand Painted Nippon vases are highly sought-after Japanese porcelain pieces produced between 1891 and 1921 to comply with the McKinley Tariff Act. These items are prized for their intricate craftsmanship, often featuring delicate floral motifs and the distinctive raised-enamel technique known as moriage.

What affects the value of Hand Painted Nippon Vase?

• The presence and condition of gold gilding or complex moriage patterns significantly impact the $200-$220 price range.
• The rarity of the specific hand-painted scene, with landscapes and intricate floral designs typically commanding higher prices.
• Overall physical condition, specifically the absence of chips, cracks, or wear to the delicate hand-applied pigments.
• The specific type of 'Nippon' mark used, such as the 'Maple Leaf' or 'Rising Sun' stamps, which can influence collector demand.

How to Identify Hand Painted Nippon Vase?

• Look for the specific 'Hand Painted Nippon' backstamp on the base, which was required for US imports until 1921.
• Examine the surface for moriage, a traditional Japanese style of layered clay decoration that creates a three-dimensional effect.
• Verify the porcelain quality, as authentic Nippon pieces from this era feature fine-grained, translucent white ceramic bodies.
• Check for hand-painted brushstrokes rather than decals, which is a hallmark of the 1891-1921 production period.

History of Hand Painted Nippon Vase

Nippon porcelain refers to Japanese porcelain produced between 1891 and 1921. During this period, due to the McKinley Tariff Act of 1890, all imported goods to the U.S. were required to be marked with their country of origin. 'Nippon' is the Japanese word for Japan. This era saw a significant export of intricately decorated porcelain from Japan, often featuring delicate hand-painted designs and moriage decoration.