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
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
Japanese contemporary Kaneta Masanao ceramic Hagi vase
By Kaneta Masanao
Located in Uccle, BE
Kaneta Masanao, is certainly one of Hagi pottery's most well-known and easily identifiable. He's part of the eighth generation Hagi potter and has expand ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Japonisme Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Arts & Crafts Style Transfer Decorated Chargers - Signed - Japan - 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage pair of Arts & Crafts / Aesthetic style transfer decorated chargers - hand painted highlights - large size - signed - Japan - mid 20th century.
Excellent vintage condition...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
$1,050 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Mid-Century Modern Noritake Japan Coffee / Tea Set for 4 Snowville Porcelain
By Lagardo Tackett, Noritake
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and rare set of coffee tea for 4 great condition circa 1963 in white porcelain great condition like new, no chips or cracks, 4 snack plates - 8....
Category
20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain, Rattan
$460 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
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