Collectables: Any value to chinaware with the word "JAPAN" stamped on bottom?

Question

I have a few pieces of chinaware, white with a rose pattern (teapot, sugar w/lid, creamer, cigarette box w/lid & lighter, 4 small ashtrays) with the word "JAPAN" stamped on bottom. It doesn't say "Made in Japan" just the word "JAPAN". Are these pieces of any monetary value?

Answer 1

Definitely check with an antique dealer...in fact, check with several so you don't get ripped off by an unscrupulous dealer. My brother-in-law sells a lot on eBay. According to him, anything that was made in "Occupied Japan" is valuable...not certain, but think this includes just the word "Japan"....not "made in".

Answer 2

I think it still means made in Japan. If they're porcelain, they have some value. Take it to an antique dealer for assessment. I used to have chinaware (tea set) with a watermark of a lady's face etched at the bottom and when you held it up against the light, you'll see the whole face. I found out a few years back it was the "signature" of some of the finest hand-made porcelains made from china.

Answer 3

it depends. there are some very high quality pieces of china and then there is junk. noritaka, i believe, is one of the better makers.

if you can find the maker on it somewhere, check ebay and you should get a good idea of what the value is.

if there is no maker and no maker's mark, it is likely not worth very much. the fact that it says Japan in English rather than in Japanese is, frankly, not very promising. it implies that it was made for export, and that is not a good thing in terms of value.

Answer 4

If you don't have complete sets then they aren't worth much... that stuff was a dime a dozen back in the 20's and 30's.

Answer 5

no almost every piece of dinnerware has japan stamped on the bottom of it.