How can I tell if my Japanese pottery is antique?

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.

Antique Japanese Menuki

Japanese Tobacco Pouch

Metal Dragon

Antiquic Jewelry

Antique Jewelry Dragon

Victorian Silver Japanese Menuki Samurai and Horse Cufflinks

$950

W 1 in

Victorian Silver Japanese Menuki Samurai and Horse Cufflinks

Located in Lexington, KY

samurai warriors. The cufflinks are solid sterling silver, marked silver and marked Japan. They are

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Late Victorian Antique Japanese Menuki

Materials

Silver

Antique Shakudo Dragon Conversion Necklace, Circa Late 1800s

$1,295

W 0.6 in L 1.9 in

Antique Shakudo Dragon Conversion Necklace, Circa Late 1800s

Located in Lewisburg, PA

This unique shakudō dragon pendant was originally a Japanese menuki—a decorative sword fitting

Category

Late 19th Century Edwardian Antique Japanese Menuki

Materials

14k Gold, Mixed Metal, Shakudo

Japanese 19th Century Tabako Ire Leather Pouch with Pipe, Silver Menuki, Ojime

$1,375

H 11 in W 8.25 in D 1 in

Japanese 19th Century Tabako Ire Leather Pouch with Pipe, Silver Menuki, Ojime

Located in Point Richmond, CA

and brass. The menuki has the image of a sitting person of importance, possibly a samurai being served

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Menuki

Materials

Silver, Brass

Recent Sales

JAPAN 1910 Meiji Menuki Necklace With Shakudo In 14Kt Gold 24Kt Gold & Bronze

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H 1.14 in W 0.71 in L 18 in

JAPAN 1910 Meiji Menuki Necklace With Shakudo In 14Kt Gold 24Kt Gold & Bronze

Located in Miami, FL

Exceptional Shakudo necklace with Japanese Menuki. This is a fabulous one of a kind Shakudo

Category

1910s Japanese Arts and Crafts Antique Japanese Menuki

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, Bronze, 14k Gold, 24k Gold, Shakudo

Japanese Menuki Gold Cufflinks

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Japanese Menuki Gold Cufflinks

Located in Lexington, KY

This pair of Japanese Menuki cufflinks is indeed a rare find. They feature an 18 karat yellow gold

Category

1890s Unknown Late Victorian Antique Japanese Menuki

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

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Antique Edwardian 18ct Gold, Silver & Enamel Diamond Horse and Jockey Brooch

$2,204

L 1.73 in

Antique Edwardian 18ct Gold, Silver & Enamel Diamond Horse and Jockey Brooch

Located in Brighton, GB

Antique Horse Racing Brooch 18ct Yellow Gold & Silver Circa 1900 Step into elegance with this exquisite Edwardian brooch, crafted from luxurious 18ct gold and Silver. Featuri...

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