Japan has a long history in ceramics. It goes back as
far as the 16th century when Japan opened its ports to the
Western world. In the 1850's, U.S. Naval Officer Matthew C.
Perry convinced the Japanese government to reopen their
ports to the West.
At that time, there were no laws requiring countries to
mark their wares with the name of their country. In 1891,
a law was passed requiring all countries mark their exports
with the name of the country. Japan marked their exports
"Nippon", Japanese for Japan.
In 1921, the word "Nippon" was ruled unaccepable by the
United States. The Japanese were required to mark their
exports "Made in Japan". This continued until the beginning
of WWII, when all exports from Japan to the United States
was discontinued(1941-1945). During the occupation of Japan
(1945-1952)all exports from Japan to the United States were
marked "Made in Occupied Japan". Since the end of the occupation, all exports were marked "Japan".
The quality, detail, and price varied from crudely made
to lavishly decorated; from inexpensive to expensive. Many
items were meant for souvenirs in the United States for the
tourists. Others were for carnivals used as prizes. They
were mass-produced and not very well made. The better items
were targeted for gift shops, department stores, and china
shops. These were more expensive and very well made and some
very elaborate. This is where you will find teapots, cookie
jars, vases, and pitchers.
Many of the teapots and cookie jars have wicker handles
and are often found to be damaged or missing. You can find
replacements quite easily and usually inexpensively. If
you are lucky enough to find one with the handle still
intact, clean it gently with lemon oil. This will keep it
from becoming brittle.
For more information on Made in Japan pieces, watch
for next month's newsletter. I will give you some ideas on
how to tell the old from the new pieces.
