Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
How can I tell if my Japanese pottery is antique?
1 Answer

To tell if your Japanese pottery is antique, look for markings, which usually appear on the bottoms of pieces. If you see the word "Nippon," your piece was likely produced between 1891 and 1921, making it an antique. Pieces marked with the words "made in occupied Japan" originated between 1945 and 1952 and are vintage, based on their age. A "made in Japan" marking may indicate a vintage or contemporary piece. If you don't see any of these markings, consult trusted online resources to get a rough idea of when your pottery was produced. Any piece that dates back 100 years or more is antique. Should you encounter difficulty with the dating process, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Japanese pottery.
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
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Shop for Japanese Ceramics on 1stDibs
Pink Panther Collection Royal Orleans Pottery Pink Panther Character Mug
By United Artists
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful, Japanese licensed Pink Panther Collection character mug formed as the head of the Pink Panther distributed by Royal Orleans and dated 1981. The ceramic mug is formed as...
Category
Vintage 1980s Japanese Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Pink Panther Collection Royal Orleans Pottery Beaker Shape Mug
By United Artists
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful, licensed Pink Panther Collection handled pottery beaker shaped mug distributed by Royal Orleans and dated 1981. The ceramic mug is of cylindrical form with a pinched ce...
Category
Vintage 1980s Japanese Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
UAC Geoffrey Five Vintage Pink Panther Sporting Figures
By United Artists
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful collection of five vintage UAC Geoffrey Pink Panther sporting figures produced under license in Japan and dating from around 1981. The figures are licensed by the United...
Category
Vintage 1980s Japanese Modern Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Fujimori Mug Set for Kato Kogei Ceramics Post-Modern Alpha 3 Memphis Japan 1980s
By Fujimori, Kato Kogei
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Founded during the Meiji era as a glass-making company in Nishi-ku, Nagoya, Kato made a name for itself by manufacturing cutting-edge designs, of which post-modern service is a prime...
Category
Vintage 1980s Japanese Post-Modern Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of 19th Century "Satsuma" Vases
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Pair of 19th century Satsuma vases, Japan 19th century.
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
$3,100 / set
Noritake Mentone Blue Gold and White Saucer
By Noritake
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A pretty porcelain white saucer with blue and gold detail by Noritake. This beautiful plate has a painted blue and gold rim with sprays of flowers in varying hues of blue at the center. Two gold decorative flourishes adorn the dish in between the blue bouquets.
Bottom Reads:
Noritake China...
Category
20th Century Japanese Chinoiserie Ceramics
Materials
Gold
$20 Sale Price
20% Off