Rare Antiques and Vintage Collectibles
Here are some tips and pointers when pursing the fascinating field of Antiques and Collectibles.
Dating Antique Porcelain
1. All Antique porcelain after 1891 was required to have the COUNTRY OF ORIGIN clearly displayed. The McKinley tariff of 1890 required that all porcelain exported to the United States carry a mark indicating their country of origin.
2. The Japanese chose to use the word “NIPPON” on their wares exported to the US with pieces showing this mark primarily dating from 1890 to 1921. In 1921, it was a requirement that the word NIPPON was replaced with “JAPAN”. The typical style of ware produced during this period were MORIAGE or heavily beaded ware with hand painted scenes and heavy gilding. The workmanship of Japanese companies was absolutely extraordinary and in one such case, an English company known as IC & E Co traveled extensively through Japan purchasing the finest unmarked wares. Wares produced by leading Japanese porcelain companies were bought back to England and the company created their own Green under glaze mark of “IC & E Company”. These ware are beginning to become harder to find in good condition so look out for these fine porcelain item when you can.
3. In 1921, the import laws were tightened to say that all items must carry the “MADE IN” plus their country of origin. Items marked with the words Japan may still have been made after this date so some need to be dated by style, shape and decoration.