Featured Nippon Questions

I was going through old boxes and found a 10" porcelain plate with an owl on it. It's got the Nippon mark on the back from the early 1900's. How can I find a reputable appraiser that won't charge me the farm and my first born? I spent hours trying to find the same plate online, but haven't located another one yet. Happy Sunday! Kariann
P.S. I forgot to mention that it belonged to my great grandmother. I am 53. She had it on the shelf for as long as I can remember.

 

Hello @Kariann Savelesky & welcome to the forum!!

Your second photo does not work. We also need a full picture of the back of the plates as well as a close-up of the design on the front. Also, if you would click on full image it will make it easier for the members to view your photos.

 

Okay. Thanks. I'll get them.

 

I cannot tell, but this link may help ...
https://www.realorrepro.com/article...n made for export,Nippon" was a Japanese word.

 

Thank you. I have tried several of those sites.

 

That looks like the old Morimura importers mark, aka Noritake and even their really good hand-painted pieces don't appraise well. I have a feeling this was shipped as a blank plate and painted by a talented amateur close to wherever you found it. As experts go, I don't, but it's not "singing" at me.

 

Welcome here, Kariann...you're in good company!

 

Thank you very much! I feel very welcomed.

 

Hmmm. I'm pretty sure it's around 100 years old. It was my great grandmothers and I'm 53.

 

If it's hand-painted and marked Nippon, try 110-120. The Nippon part of the mark was mandated by US law around 1890 and the Japanese went to marking things Japan around 1921. China painting was a big hobby and the height of the craze was in the 1890s to about 1910 if memory serves. (experts may chime in and say I'm all wet)

 

I appreciate the feed back. I'm okay if it turns out to be nothing. Although, I could use a little excitement in my life, at least to make up for all the boring repacking.
I did a real close look at the link above from Roaring 20's and the only two distinct differences I could make out was that the leaves on the wreath aren't sharp at the tip and one of the dots on either side is missing from mine. Someday I'll make that big find

 

I know the feeling. I found a not-horrible cameo this weekend that I had to grab quickly. Alas the setting is most likely costume.

 

Welcome Kariann.

Don't, most appraisers will charge a lot and have little specialised knowledge.
I'll tag @916Bulldogs123 for you. Once you know enough (through the forum), look for similar sold pieces on ebay etc.

 

Appreciate it!

 

No reason to believe it's not genuine. From Van Patten's ABC's of Collecting Nippon Porcelain. Pg. 145.



Today's value is about 1/3 to 1/2 what Van Patten estimated in 2005..

 

Huh. I think we need to be more careful about saying hobbyist painted now.

 

Now I need to take a photo, huh.

 

Oh Wow! Still better than a dud.

 

Hello and welcome.

If you want free appraisals you could try contacting auction houses. A lot are happy to give free valuations as it's how they come by items to sell.