Nippon Hand Painted Vase Guide (2024)
What is a Nippon Hand Painted Vase?
Nippon hand-painted vases were exported from Japan from the 18th to 19th century. They are known for their craftsmanship and historical value, capturing the essence of a pivotal era in Japanese British ceramics. From 1891 to 1921, these vases are a testament to the cultural exchange between Japan and the West, with artisans blending traditional techniques with Western tastes.
Nippon vases transcend mere decoration to be celebrated for their highly detailed Japanese motifs. This article explores the world of Nippon porcelain, looking into the significance of hand painting, identifying authentic pieces, and understanding the factors that influence their value.
Collectors and enthusiasts love the beauty of these extraordinary vases and the compelling narratives woven into their history.
Introduction to Nippon Hand Painted Vases
Overview of Nippon Porcelain History
What is the meaning of Nippon porcelain?
The term “Nippon” comes from the Japanese word for Japan. It specifically refers to the period from 1891 to 1921 when porcelain from Japan was marked with “Nippon” to comply with the United States’ import regulations.
This era was a time of significant cultural exchange between Japan and the West. During these years, Japanese artisans began crafting porcelain goods that appealed to Western preferences while maintaining traditional Japanese techniques and aesthetics.
Japanese artisans, who had honed their skills over centuries, adapted their creations to suit the tastes of new markets. From this time, Nippon porcelain was known for its exceptional quality, detailed designs, and expert hand painting that embellished each item.
Significance of Hand Painting in Nippon Vases
Hand painting is a hallmark of Nippon porcelain, particularly evident in vases. Each vase is a canvas for the artisans’ painting skill, with every stroke showcasing their precision and attention to detail. The hand-painted designs are not just for show; they celebrate the artisan’s expertise and the deep-rooted tradition of Japanese craftsmanship.
The importance of hand painting on these vases goes beyond their visual appeal. It symbolizes a cultural legacy preserved across generations. The careful hand-painting process ensures that each vase is unique, making every piece an individual work of art.
Typical Nippon Vase Themes and Motifs
Nippon vases are admired for their vast themes and motifs, drawing from Japanese culture and the natural environment. Common motifs feature landscapes, florals, birds, and other wildlife, as well as depictions of Japanese daily life and mythology.
These elements are often portrayed as lifelike and artistic, focusing on balanced composition and subtle colour schemes.
Floral patterns are particularly prevalent, with artists capturing the fleeting allure of blossoming flowers.
Gold and other metallic highlights are a signature element, adding a luxurious touch to the elaborate designs. As a collector, certain themes are more prevalent in particular periods or among specific artists, which can influence both the visual appeal and the monetary value of the vases.
Knowing these themes and motifs can greatly impact the demand for Nippon vases and their market price.
As we approach 2024, Buyers continue to seek out these timeless pieces for their historical significance and the style they embody.
Identifying Authentic Nippon Vases
Distinguishing authentic Nippon vases from reproductions is crucial for collectors. The market is saturated with imitations, so recognizing genuine pieces is essential.
Marks and Signatures to Look For
Authentic Nippon vases can often be identified by their marks and signatures. The “M in wreath” mark, associated with Morimura Bros., is one of the most reliable indicators.
Authentic marks are intricately detailed, with a clear “M” within a symmetrical wreath, including a visible stem at the bottom.
The phrase “Hand Painted” should be in proportion and spelt correctly.
The “Maple Leaf” mark is another indicator of authenticity, which should be sharp and no larger than 1/4″ in height.
Characteristics of Authentic Hand Painting
Authentic Nippon vases exhibit a level of transparency indicative of their quality. When held up to a bright light, a genuine piece should allow light to pass through, showing its delicate transparency.
The glaze on authentic pieces is evenly distributed across the interior without gaps or inconsistencies. The gold gilding on these vases typically has a subtle bronze hue and will show signs of wear, unlike the bright, yellowish gold that characterizes many fakes.
Common Reproductions and How to Spot Them
Reproductions may include items in shapes or patterns that Nippon did not produce. For instance, Nippon created figural shoes, but not in the shape of a ‘granny boot’; their designs were akin to a Dutch shoe.
Fantasy pieces, which were never made during the Nippon era, are also prevalent in the market. These include kerosene lamps, oyster dishes, and wine coolers, and are modern creations designed to mislead.
Counterfeit marks are a clear indicator of reproduction. An inauthentic “M in wreath” mark might have a distorted wreath or an improperly sized or styled “M”. The “hourglass in upside down wreath” is a known fake stamp, as Morimura Bros. never used such a design. A “Maple Leaf” mark that’s oversized or a “Rising Sun” mark with inaccurately drawn suns and missing the “Hand Painted” phrase are clear signs of reproduction.
The fake RC Nippon mark, sometimes with Nippon written in a curve and the entire mark in green instead of the authentic red and green, is another to be wary of.
Familiarity with these characteristics and marks can help collectors ensure the authenticity of their Nippon vases.
Factors Influencing Vase Prices
Age and Historical Period
Vases from ancient civilizations, such as Greek and Roman, are highly prized for their antiquity and scarcity. Conversely, items from the early 20th century are more attainable for a broader audience.
The specific timeframe for Nippon porcelain is identifiable due to the McKinley Tariff Act, which aids in pinpointing their creation to a distinct thirty-year window.
Condition and Preservation
A vase’s condition is paramount in its appraisal. Flawless examples are sought after for their untouched state.
For Nippon porcelain, the preservation of the hand-painted details is critical. Any compromise to these elements can greatly reduce the piece’s value.
Rarity and Demand
The scarcity of a vase and its popularity can significantly sway its market value. Nippon vases with rare decorations like Coralene and moriage are particularly prized.
Certain marks, such as the “M in Wreath” for Morimura Bros or the “Maple Leaf Nippon,” enhance a vase’s appeal. Vigilance is necessary to avoid counterfeit items that pretend to be scarce.
Artist and Artistic Merit
The creator of a vase and its artistic quality are influential in its valuation. Signatures from esteemed artists or workshops can increase a vase’s worth.
The designs resonated with American consumers during the Gilded Age and remain a factor in collector interest. While not all marks correspond to specific dates, they contribute to the narrative affecting these vases’ valuation.
Pricing Guide for Common Types of Nippon Vases
Price Ranges for Floral Patterns
Vases featuring hand-painted blossoms have starting prices around $100. As the complexity of the design increases, so does the value, with premium examples exceeding $500.
The most coveted of these, distinguished by their art, can command prices ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 or more due to their rarity and demand.
Value of Landscape-Themed Vases
Vases depicting serene scenes of the Japanese countryside captivate with their detailed artistry. Those employing the Coralene technique, which adds texture through raised elements and glass beads, are particularly sought after. The meticulousness of the landscape painting and the use of Coralene can elevate the value of these vases.
Collectible and Unique Shapes
Distinctive shapes, such as those with dual handles or urn-like silhouettes, are prized by collectors. These uncommon forms often fetch higher prices at auction due to their scarcity. For example, vases with dual handles might sell for approximately £165, while urn-shaped variants may reach an average of £495. Applying raised enamel, or Moriage, can further enhance these pieces’ visual appeal and monetary value.
Influence of Size and Display Quality
Larger vases, which make striking display pieces, are often more sought after and can fetch higher prices. Preserving the vase’s condition, free from damage or significant wear, is crucial for its valuation.
Collectors must ensure the authenticity of their pieces by examining the back stamps; genuine Nippon vases will have specific marks indicative of their production period. There are approximately 359 Nippon back stamps known to date. (Backstamps – Old, 2018) Pieces marked with “Japan” indicate manufacture after 1921 and do not fall within the highly collectable Nippon era.
The provenance of these items, confirmed through these marks, is a significant factor in determining their market value.
Buying and Selling Nippon Vases in 2024
Recommended Venues for Purchase
Exploring antique shops and estate sales can yield fruitful discoveries, allowing for tactile examination of potential acquisitions. Digital platforms also play a pivotal role, offering a vast array of options from sellers worldwide.
Tips for Online Buying and Auctions
Vigilance is paramount when navigating online purchases to avoid counterfeit items. Requesting comprehensive images and reports on the item’s state from sellers is advisable. Auction participation requires familiarity with typical transaction values to make informed bids.
Nippon Hand Painted Vase Ebay listings (2024 update)
| Name/Description | Period Title | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Antique Meiji Satsuma Porcelain Vase | Meiji Period | £60.00 |
| Japanese Satsuma Immortal Vase | Victorian Meiji Period | £145.00 |
| Large Antique Japanese Meiji Satsuma Porcelain Vase | Meiji Period | £60.00 |
| Rare Small Satsuma Earthenware Vase | c1890/1900 | £210.00 |
| Antique Japanese Nippon Hand Painted Vase | 1900-1940 | £35.00 |
| Antique Japanese Porcelain Vase | Early 20th Century | £35.00 |
| Nippon Hand Painted Floral Urn Style Vase | 1900-1919 | £27.37 |
| Stunning Japanese Kutani Porcelain Hand Painted Vase | Early 20th Century | £28.00 |
| Japanese Satsuma Bamboo Spill Vase | 1900-1940 | £68.00 |
| Pair of Antique Japanese Bronze Cloisonné Vases | 1900-1940 | £45.00 |
| Vintage Art Nouveau Nippon Moriage Vase | Art Nouveau Period | £125.00 |
| Antique Japanese Kutani Bud Vase | c1930 | £7.95 |
| Antique Japanese Imari Vase | Meiji Period | £74.99 |
| Antique Japanese Meiji Seto Vase | Meiji Period | £39.99 |
| Large Late Meiji Japanese Satsuma Vase | Late Meiji Period | £8.00 |
| Japanese Porcelain Brush Washer | Meiji Period | £65.00 |
| Nippon Period Hand Painted Moriage Vase | Nippon Period | £35.00 |
| Antique Japanese Foil Cloisonné Small Vase | Meiji Period | £45.00 |
| Lovely Japanese Antique Imari Vase | 19th/20th Century | £19.99 |
| Vintage Art Nouveau/Deco Period Porcelain Vase | Art Nouveau/Deco Period | £10.95 |
| Antique Japanese Nippon Period Hand Painted Vase | Nippon Period | £35.00 |
| Stunning Japanese Antique Kutani Vase | 20th Century | £28.00 |
| Japanese Meiji Period Imari Vase | Meiji Period | £9.95 |
| Japanese Satsuma Koro Vase | Art Deco Period | £65.00 |
Assessing Valuation and Insurance
The spectrum of Nippon vase values is broad, with simpler designs being more affordable and intricately adorned ones fetching higher sums.
Consulting with specialists or referencing recent auction outcomes can provide insight into a vase’s worth. Insuring your collection is prudent and accurate appraisals are essential for appropriate coverage.
Future Trends in Nippon Vase Collecting
Collector preferences may shift, influencing the desirability and valuation of certain styles. Staying informed about evolving trends benefits collectors aiming to anticipate market shifts.
Despite changes in production techniques, the quest for unique, hand-painted Nippon vases endures, driven by their irreplaceable artistry and historical resonance.
Embarking on the Nippon Pottery Journey
As we explore Nippon hand-painted vases in 2024, we’re reminded of the cultural legacy and enduring artistry these pieces encapsulate. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer, understanding the nuanced world of Nippon porcelain investing is key.
Remember, the actual value of a Nippon vase lies not just in its price tag but in the story it tells and the tradition it represents. As you curate your collection, let each vase be a testament to the skilled craftspeople behind it and your connoisseurship.
Citations
Backstamps – Old. (2018, October 14). Nippon Collectors Club. Retrieved June 19, 2024, from https://nipponcollectorsclub.com/backstamps/