Japanese china set
24 May 2025
Description

It appears to be the same set but there are markings from 3 different makers. There are two vases that appear to be the oldest, they are 6 inches tall. There is 1 bowl that has a unique marking. Finally there are over 100 pieces with the same marking, the image of this marking is the back of a small plate

Dimensions

over 100 pieces

Acquired from
Inherited
For sale
Yes
Answered within about 9 hours
By Delia
May 24, 21:37 UTC
Fair Market Value
$700 - $875 USD
Insurance Value $0 USD
What does this mean?

Hi Olin,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Japanese Kutani porcelain refers to a distinctive style of Japanese porcelain that originated in the Kutani region of Ishikawa Prefecture during the 17th century. It is renowned for its vibrant colors, bold designs, and detailed overglaze painting.

Unlike some Japanese porcelain makers who catered exclusively to the export/tourist market like Noritake and Nippon, Kutaniware was used by Japanese as well; some collectors consider it more "authentically" Japanese than those made by Noritake and Nippon that had a decidedly Western aesthetic.

While Nippon and Noritake porcelain dinner services usually bring $5-8 PER PIECE, Kutaniware has a slightly higher value at auction - $8-10/piece.

Marks like this are common on modern Kutani-yaki (九谷焼) porcelain, especially from the Showa period onward (post-1926); all are Kanji marks - one reads 'Kyokuzan' (Morning Sun Mountain), the other reads 'Kaoru' (fragrance) while the mark on the underside of the vases reads 'kotobuki' (longevity).

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage 80-piece parcel gilt Kutani porcelain part dinner service
made in Japan, mid 20th Century, comprising:
12 large plates
12 medium bowls
12 small bowls
12 small bread plates
12 cups with 12 saucers
1 teapot
1 sugar bowl
1 cream pitcher
2 large serving plates
2 serving bowls
1 covered serving bowl
CONDITION: This service appears to be in good condition; value assumes no chips, breaks, repairs or losses.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$650-800*

together with

A pair of Kutani parcel gilt porcelain vases
made in Japan, mid 20th Century
6 inches tall
CONDITION: This service appears to be in good condition; value assumes no chips, breaks, repairs or losses.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$50-75
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia

Olin west May 25, 13:58 UTC

12 teacups and saucers, 12 small bowls, 12 medium bowls, 1 teapot, 1 sugar bowl, 1 creamer bowl, 12 plates, 12 small small plates, 2 large serving plates, 2 serving bowls, 1 serving bowl with lid. They all have the same marking as the pictures with the small plate. I believe they are hand painted.

Olin west May 25, 15:38 UTC

I also just added a picture of the vases that shows their markings, I believe they are likely the most valuable.

Delia May 27, 10:47 UTC

Hi Olin,
Thanks for the piece count - it comes out to 80, a little short of the 100 you initially said so please let me know if there are more so I can update this and amend the value.
Have a nice day,
Delia

Olin west May 27, 12:09 UTC

Thanks, I understand the 3 markings: 'Kyokuzan' (Morning Sun Mountain), 'Kaoru' (fragrance) and 'kotobuki' (longevity) but I do not understand what they are associated with. Which is it for the vases , bowl and plate/remaining pieces?

Delia May 27, 12:18 UTC

"Kaoru" is the mark on the underside of the small plates, "Kotobuki" is the mark on the underside of the vases, and "Kyokuzan" the mark on the bowls.

Olin west May 27, 13:01 UTC

thanks, any recommendations on places to sell these?

Delia May 27, 20:14 UTC

You might try Nadeau's in Windsor, Litchfield Auctions in Litchfield or New England Auctions in Branford.

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