Nippon Condiment Set Value Guide

This Nippon Condiment Set is a quintessential example of Japanese porcelain exported during the McKinley Tariff Act era, featuring a mustard pot and hexagonal shakers. These sets are highly collectible for their delicate hand-painted motifs and the labor-intensive application of raised gold moriage enamel.

What affects the value of Nippon Condiment Set?

• The preservation of the gold moriage decoration, as heavy wear or rubbing significantly reduces the market value.
• Completeness of the set, including the mustard pot lid and the original stoppers for the salt and pepper shakers.
• The intricacy and condition of the hand-painted floral or landscape patterns beneath the gold accents.
• Absence of chips, cracks, or professional repairs to the delicate porcelain bodies.

How to Identify Nippon Condiment Set?

• Look for the 'Nippon' backstamp on the base, which signifies Japanese origin between 1891 and 1921.
• Inspect the gold moriage for a distinct raised, three-dimensional texture characteristic of authentic hand-applied enamel.
• Verify the hexagonal shape of the salt and pepper shakers, a specific design element of this domestic table accessory set.
• Check for the presence of the original matching lid on the mustard pot, which is often lost or replaced.

History of Nippon Condiment Set

Porcelain marked 'Nippon' was manufactured in Japan and exported primarily to the US between 1891 and 1921, a period defined by the McKinley Tariff Act which required country of origin labeling. These pieces are highly prized for their intricate, hand-painted detail and use of raised enamel known as moriage. These domestic table accessories were popular Victorian and Edwardian household items.