Hi Timothy,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Nikko Company (日光株式会社, formerly “Japan Ironstone Inc.”) is a Japanese ceramics manufacturer founded in 1908 in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. The name “Ironstone” refers to a type of strong, durable ceramic ware. In Nikko’s case, their ironstone is a tableware material distinct from porcelain or bone china in that it has a “warm milky white” body, is more heat-insulating, and more resistant to physical shock. Nikko produces several grades and styles: Ironstone, Fine Bone China, Porcelain, etc. Ironstone tends to have less translucence than bone china but more robustness.

Replacements, Ltd. lists the Ming Tree Blue (Double Phoenix Backstamp) pattern by Nikko as having been made from 1957-1995; is it possible this was acquired slightly later than 1951?
In any case, this is a dessert or coffee service, with plates for cake or cookies as well as cups and saucers; one of the two pots might have been used for coffee or chocolate.

Services by numerous makers Japanese export porcelain (made for the tourist market, not usually for native Japanese users) are fairly plentiful on the market and sell for only very modest values when offered at auction, where sets can bring prices ranging from $2.50-3.00 PER PIECE.

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

A vintage 20-piece Nikko Ironstone dessert service
In the "Double Phoenix" pattern, in Japan, circa 1950s, comprising:
6 larger plates
6 saucers with 5 teacups,
1 teapot (4x4x4)
1 coffee or chocolate pot (approx. 3x3x3)
1 cream pitcher
CONDITION: This service appears to be in good condition
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$50-60 for the service*
*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