Nippon Porcelain Value & Price Guide

Nippon porcelain represents a golden era of Japanese export ceramics produced between 1891 and 1921. These hand-painted pieces are highly sought after for their intricate Moriage beadwork, vibrant floral patterns, and delicate gold gilding.

Price Range: $75 - $86 based on recent sales

History of Nippon Porcelain

The history of Nippon porcelain is inextricably linked to the McKinley Tariff Act of 1890, which mandated that all goods imported into the United States be marked with their country of origin. Because 'Nippon' is the Japanese word for Japan, pieces produced for export between 1891 and 1921 bore this mark, creating a clearly defined era for collectors. During this period, Japanese artisans blended traditional Eastern techniques with Western shapes to appeal to the American market. This era of production came to an abrupt end in 1921 when U.S. Customs ruled that 'Nippon' was no longer an acceptable term and required the use of the English word 'Japan.' Consequently, authentic Nippon pieces are limited to this thirty-year window, making them distinct from later Noritake or Japanese export wares.

Value Factors for Nippon Porcelain

The typical price range for Nippon Porcelain is $75 - $86 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Complexity of hand-painted scenes, with portraits and tapestry-style finishes commanding higher prices than simple florals.
• The presence of Moriage, a labor-intensive slip-trailing technique that adds three-dimensional texture to the porcelain.
• Completeness of sets, particularly chocolate and tea sets which are more valuable when all matching cups and saucers are present.
• Rarity of the backstamp, such as the Maple Leaf, Rising Sun, or various wreath marks used by different factories.

Tips for Buying Nippon Porcelain

• Verify the 'Nippon' backstamp to ensure the piece was produced before the 1921 McKinley Tariff Act required the 'Japan' marking.
• Inspect the Moriage or raised enamel decoration for chips or missing beads, as these areas are prone to wear.
• Look for the 'Green M' in a wreath mark, which signifies high-quality production by the Morimura Brothers, the predecessors of Noritake.
• Check for gold loss on handles and rims, as heavy gilding is a primary driver of value in chocolate sets and vases.

Items in This Collection

• Nippon Hair Receiver
• Nippon Hand-Painted Bowl
• Hand Painted Nippon Vase
• Nippon Hand Painted Plate
• Nippon Hand Painted Tea Cup
• Hand-Painted Nippon Creamer
• Nippon Hand Painted Chocolate Pot
• Nippon Hand-Painted Candle Holder
• Nippon Berry Bowl Set
• Nippon Hand Painted Candy Dish
• Nippon Sugar Bowl
• Nippon Hand Painted Sugar Bowl
• Nippon Hand Painted Pitcher
• Nippon Hat Pin Holder
• Nippon Hand-Painted Vases
• Nippon Tea Set
• Nippon Hand Painted Tea Set
• Nippon Hand Painted Footed Bowl
• Nippon Hand Painted Chocolate Set
• Nippon Hand Painted Porcelain Dish