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Nippon generally refers to Japanese wares made during the period from 1891 to 1921, although the Nippon mark was also used to a limited extent on later wares accompanied by "Japan". Nippon, meaning Japan, identified the country of origin to comply with American importation restrictions. After 1921 "Japan" was the acceptable alternative. The term does not imply a specific type of product and may be found on items other than porcelain.

Subject: Nippon Bowl

I have a bowl with a handle on each side, gold trim inside the rim, on the bottom is a mark in a circle and underneath the word appears to be Nippon. Is this indeed a piece of Nippon china. Thank you for your help.

There is a 7 1/2" bowl with handles listed in my antique guide for $225. I do not have a specific book for nippon china but we recommend the one listed on our web site. Collectors Encyclopedia of Nippon Poreclain : Identification & Values by Joan F. Van Patten

Subject: Nippon Tray

I have a 8 inch tray with a scene of pond with a barn on the other side of the pond. There is a tree on the left of the picture. On the back is a logo made of a circle of leaves with a M in the center. Outside of this circle are the words "Hand Painted Nippon". Can you tell me anything about it.

There is only one tray listed in the antique price guide and it is a wedgewood type. As I do not have a specific book for nippon china, we recommend the one listed on our web site. Collectors Encyclopedia of Nippon Poreclain : Identification & Values by Joan F. Van Patten

Your specific marking is the M in Wreath.

Subject: Nippon China

I have just acquired a vase that some one told me may be Nippon. It has no markings on it anywhere. The vase stands about 8-9" high, It stands on 4 little legs (Cobalt Blue) with gold lines . The bowl part of the vase is white going into a light yellow with pink scattered about it.. very rich in gold flowers. From the top of the bowl of the vase it goes into the cobalt blue again with gold painted on it. Has two scrolled handles in Cobalt blue with gold painted on them. Inside of the neck, Cobalt Blue going into white. If anyone has any info that could help me, I would appreciate it.

There are too many vase descriptions listed and without numbers and markings, I cannot pin-point the exact item sight unseen. Because there is not a number system available, an expert would either have to see the item or at least a picture of it. I recommend contacting Joan Van Patten, Box 102, Rexford, NY 12148. She is an author of Collector Books on Nippon. Ex. Collectors Encyclopedia of Nippon Poreclain : Identification & Values - there are four books in the series.

examples of similar (?) vases: Nippon Vase, florals & gold beading, handles, bottle neck 8 1/2 inches $325

Nippon Vase, gold overlay reserve & band on cobalt, small handles 8 1/2 inches $650

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Note: It is very hard to guess-timate what your Nippon China is worth. I recommend buying the Collectors Encyclopedia of Nippon Porcelain: Identification & Values by Joan F. Van Patten 7th Edition and also checking the eBay auctions to see if you can find a similar item on eBay to compare it with your item. Then check how the bidding is going. eBay bidding is usually a low estimate, but even though your piece may have a higher value if it isn't of interest to the general population and you want to sell it, you may have a hard time getting its rightful price.

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