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
1980's Postmodern Memphis Collection by Dasch Japan Porcelain Rare Teapot
By Memphis Group, Kenny Dasch
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful rare 1980's porcelain teapot very collectible by Memphis for Dasch , excellent condition no chips or cracks.
Category
20th Century Japanese Post-Modern Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Japanese Imari Charger Plate
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous 19th-century Japanese Imari porcelain charger with a hand painted floral design in the traditional Imari colors. This fine large plate has...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Japanese Porcelain Charger finely Hand Painted, Meiji Period circa 1880
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good quality, hand decorated Japanese porcelain charger, large plate or bowl with an Imari pattern, dating to the late 19th centur...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Porcelain Teapot, Milk Jug and Sugar Bowl, Birds and Flowers Japan Early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Polychrome hand-decorated porcelain teapot, milk jug and sugar bowl with refined depictions of birds, flowers, and bucolic Japanese landscapes....
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Persian Market Porcelain Platter Portrait Nasr al din Shah Qajar 20th C
By Gardner Porcelain Factory
Located in Melbourne, AU
A large platter, bearing commemorative portraits of Naser al din Shah Qajar, painted in cobalt and parcel gilt.
This beautiful portrait platter was purc...
Category
Vintage 1950s Japanese Late Victorian Porcelain
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