Antiques – Nippon Turns Any Time Into a Gilded Age

Yes Virginia, there really was once a Gilded Age in America. About a century ago, men called “Robber Barons,” untaxed and unregulated, robbed from everybody, but nobody cared. After all, they were investing their loot in America, building factories and railroads, and creating jobs. The middle class grew and prospered; and anything that stood still long enough got trimmed in gold.
One of the most collected accessories from this gilded celebration is Nippon china (1891-1921). In fact, Nippon has been so popularly collected over the years that it certainly qualifies for our “Antique Shop Classics” series this summer.
Nippon is the Japanese word for Japan. It literally means “Land where the Sun Rises,” and in Chinese, it’s “Giapon,” where we get our word Japan.
In 1891 the U.S. Congress passed a law requiring that all items imported into America had to be marked with their country of origin. So, the Japanese marked their wares “Nippon. In 1921, Congress changed the law to require items be marked “Made in (country of origin in English).”
What makes Nippon collectible, however, is not only this small 30-year window, but the hands-on artistry of the designs, and, remarkably, that those designs are so European in style.
The reason for this goes back to the mid 19th Century, when an isolated Japan was forced into global trade. Back then a couple of brothers named Morimura began studying Western-style design so they could more successfully sell to European and American consumers. Their back stamp was an “M” in a wreath, and is often a sign of a quality piece. The brothers went on to start Noritake China.
There has been talk that the color of a Nippon mark is some indication of quality. This is not true, and the Noritake company has stated that they never participated in any color coding and know of no other Japanese company that has.
What is true is that Nippon pieces have been reproduced. So, there are bogus Nippon marks out there. EBay has a good tutorial teaching how to spot the difference. And you can check www.nipponcollectorsclub.com for more information.
These days, the market for Nippon dinnerware, as with all dinnerware, is weak. But decorative and cabinet pieces are still doing well among those who appreciate hand painting and others who just enjoy that glamorous flash of gilding.
This is our age; we only get one, so why not gild it? Collectors of Nippon are already there.
Arthur Schwerdt, a certified appraiser, is the author of “The Antique Story Book: Finding the Real Value of Old Things,” and co-owner of The August Farmhouse antiques on Route 9 in Swainton. Send your comments, questions and appraisal requests to: aschwerdt@cmcherald.com.