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 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
Fujimori Mug Set for Kato Kogei Ceramics Post-Modern Alpha 3 Memphis Japan 1980s
By Kato Kogei, Fujimori
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
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
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
United Artists Three Vintage Japanese Pink Panther Resting Figures
By United Artists
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful collection of three vintage United Artists Pink Panther resting figures produced under license in Japan and dating from around 1982. The figures are licensed by the Unit...
Category
Vintage 1980s Japanese Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
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