Judith Miller on Japanese ceramics

Japanese ceramics make an exotic and stylish collection, says Judith Miller.

While the demand for Chinese ceramics has boomed in recent years, economic difficulties and lack of wider interest has meant that those from Japan have not enjoyed such popularity. Many pieces, therefore, are more affordable at present, particularly those dating from the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. As with Chinese ceramics of these periods, many are collected for their decorative nature.

ABOVE (LEFT - RIGHT): Nabeshima footed dish, probably Edo period (c1603-1867), £100-£150; 19th-century Nabeshima footed dish, £300-£400.

Popular styles include the detailed Nabeshima, which is typically found in underglaze blue, but can also have red, green, and yellow enamel highlights; the gilt and coloured Nippon; and the vibrant and bold blue, red and white Kakiemon.

ABOVE (LEFT - RIGHT): Noritake chocolate pot, £25-£35; Noritake creamer (part of a set including a sugar bowl), £50-£70.

As well as more traditional, historic styles, Japan exported vast numbers of hand-decorated Western-style ceramics from the 1910s onwards. The major force was a company founded in 1904 by Ichizaemon Morimura, which became known as Noritake later in the century. Brightly painted roses and other flowers are typical, usually combined with lavish gilding. The first mass-produced designs were exported in 1910, and the company produced its first dinnerware for the US market in 1914, but pieces were also exported to Europe.

ABOVE (LEFT - RIGHT): Late 19th/early 20th century Kakiemon vase (one of a pair), £400-£600; 18th/19th century Kakiemon bowl, £400-£500.

After the war, production continued, and ceramics were marked ‘Made in Occupied Japan’ between 1947 and 1952. The production of novelty figurines that grew during the 1930s also continued. The subject, motifs and how well they are executed is the main indicator to value.

ABOVE: Nippon teapot (from a set including creamer and sugar bowl), £70-£100.

Tips for collectors

• Compare examples in books to learn how to spot the more finely painted pieces. 

• Buy well-painted ceramics with realistic and detailed imagery. As well as a greater level of detail, faces may have individual expressions on better quality examples.

• Marks on the base can help with dating, and in general, the more gilding present, the earlier a piece will be.

• Look for signs of wear as this reduces value, as does any damage.

• Find pieces from specialist auctions: Sworders in Essex (01279 817778; sworder.co.uk); Dreweatt Neate in Berkshire (01635 553553; dnfa.com/donnington); Woolley & Wallis in Wiltshire (01722 424500; woolleyandwallis.co.uk).

ABOVE (LEFT - RIGHT): ’Handpainted Japan’ vase, £70-£100; ’Handpainted Japan’ purple and gold flowered, slightly waisted gourd-type vase, £70-£100.

WORDS JUDITH MILLER PHOTOGRAPHS BLACK HORSE ANTIQUES SHOWCASE, FREEMAN’S
Featured in the January 2009 issue of Period Living

Buy Judith Miller’s Antiques Handbook & Price Guide 2012-2013