Thursday, May 19, 2011

KUTANI YAKI (九谷焼き)-Ceramics of Ishikawa Prefecture



Kutani ware is from Ishikawa Prefecture.  The markings are often in red, but can be impressed, in blue, gold and sometimes black with a green background. For more information on Kutani try: http://www.kutani.co.jp/english/kutani350/about_kutani.php







KUTANI FUKU MARKS 福

     These are made in the style of Ko-Kutani designs with Fuku Mark

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

GENERIC KUTANI MARKS

Generic generally means it was produced by a kiln, rather than by a single potter/decorator. However, with sets for example, one piece can have the potter/decorator and the rest of the pieces in the set could have a generic mark. A teapot could have the full name while the cups may have the generic.

 As far as  "squiggle in a square" Kutani marks, I have seen them pre war and post war through about the 1960's.




Other generic Kutani marks are handpainted and will vary greatly in size and writing style. Some may have a red, maroon or black backdrop with Kutani in gold. Some may be incised.


This plate is decorated very well with the hibiscus and rock motif. 

A lovely generic Kutani marked sake flask with beautifully decorated hibiscus! 






                             Decorative mallet and small sake cup
               
  Top-incised generic Kutani Mark     Bottom-hand painted generic Kutani Blue


     Top cup with crane motif, 九谷 JAPAN, made for export.
            Bottom small dish with peacock motif, 九谷 

                              
             Generic Kaku style used in mid 20th Century. 


              This is a lid to a covered bowl, Meiji Era.



                      Old "Hanazume" style cup



                          Vintage, Generic Kutani, nut cups


         Vintage Generic Kutani mark



       Koma Inu, also known as Shi Shi, Shisa, and foo dog. Generic Incised mark.





        Mid century Kaku Kutani mark


Mid century Kaku Kutani mark Aote style















I love this little Foo dog! The details on this sake cup are lovely!



Generic Kutani with crimson background mid 20th century

GENERIC KUTANI MARKS WITH SEI (製) OR ZO (造) 


                                             KUTANI Sei

Small bajohai style sake cup with kirante deco on the base with saiji writing inside.  

           Kutani Sei (produced by Kutani)  Meiji Era

GENERIC  KUTANI (specialty)



                                    

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸  



                                                              🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷




KUTANI KYOKUZAN (旭山)
   Some sources (gotheborg.com) with similar gold marking date this c. 1950's 

TOKUDA YASOKICHI III (代三徳田八吉)
This is a bit blurry but I had to snap it quickly at the auction house.

KUTANI  TOKUDA YASOKICHI II (代二九谷徳田八十吉)



KUTANI BIZAN (九谷美山)



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KUTANI CHOZAN (九谷長山 )



                       Vase in Toyama style (mountain range)

🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼

KUTANI EIRAKU

                              























In the traditional red and Gold

Top-Meoto or Husband/wife cups/Bottom-sake cup

                                        Large sake cup

             Sake cup

🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳

KUTANI EIZAN


    27.5 cm  vase, marked with KUTANI (九谷) Eizan (栄山)  Aka..Araki Eizan



                                 Large vase

🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿

KUTANI GAKUYOU (九谷岳陽)





  Koma Inu (shi-shi) with sword in mouth. There are a number of readings for these characters. KUTANI Hachi Ei game Hachi You Gama, Yae gama (八栄窯)

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HANA KUTANI (九谷)


     Matcha Chawan, tea bowl used in the tea ceremony


💐💐💐💐💐

KUTANI YAKI SENZAN ( 3rd generation Suekawa Senzan 1929-2011)

🐇🐖🐈🐓🐅🐉🐑🐲🐀
KUTANI KAKUZAN or KAKUZO (九谷鶴三) 

These are cups for each of the Asian Zodiak 

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KUTANI KABURAGI (九谷鏑木)

The Kutani Kaburagi kiln originated in 1822 and continues to the present day. It is one of the great Kutani kilns and has produced wonderful pieces throughout its history. 



This sake cup is decorated with the famous old couple "Jou and Uba" from the Noh play called Takasago. It is beautifully done.

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KUTANI KASEN (九谷華仙)

                 Vase decorated with camillia, KUTANI (九谷) Kasen (華仙 ) Mark



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KUTANI KOSEN (九谷光仙)

 The Kosen kiln produces many pieces in the Yoshidaya style 




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KUTANI NANSHUN (南春)


     This charger is done in the Takasago style, based on a Noh play about an old couple named Jou and Uba.

🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿

KUTANI NIPPON TOUGEI 九谷日本陶芸


This tea cup is from a set of five, the traditional number used for sets.

🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

KUTANI RYUZAN (九谷隆山)


This is a choka (チョカ) used for warming sake.



Kutani Setsuzan 九谷雪山
🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

Kutani Shoei 九谷彰栄



KUTANI SHOZA 

       This is a vintage reproduction of the Shoza style  


KUTANI SHOKAKU (九谷松鶴)


KUTANI SHUZAN 九谷秀山




KUTANI SOSHU (九谷宗秀) Known for his "Ginsai", silver leaf style


                    20 cm tall Blue/silver vase


         Pink/Silver sake cup


Here are some links to similar items of the same kiln:

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

KUTANI TAIZAN 




💐💐💐💐💐

KUTANI TOUMEI

                  Tea cup (Yunomi) with camillia motif

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KUTANI TOUSEN (九谷陶泉)




Small 7 piece Kutani tea set with Saiji writing, Tousen signature on the box

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KUTANI SEIHO (九谷正峰)

                                             Sake cup

🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺








KUTANI SHOGETSU (九谷松月)



     Kutani meoto (husband-wife) cups with Camillia flowers



























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KUTANI SHOZA and MOKUBEI (Reproductions or made in the style of)


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KUTANI KINZAN  (九谷金山) *best guess on the reading 


















                                                                               


Lidded  husband/wife  tea cups with miniature writing (saiji) and blue dot (ao chibu) technique.              

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3 tiered Obento Takahashi Mark-filed under Kutani on a few sites I have researched
HOWEVER, the mark reads Dai Ichi Toki 第弌陶器 which is a different company.
                 












Takahashi three tier bento
















Kutani sake set

🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺





















KUTANI RYUSEN (九谷龍仙)

Kutani Ryusen



For celebration at Ohara Hachiman Jinja (1981) Kutani Ryusen MARK

































KUTANI MARUYAMA

   

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KUTANI KAKUZAN


A sake set with two tokkuri and five cups



















🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿

KAGA KUTANI 

                                         A sake tokkuri 


   
🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺
                                          
KUTANI ODAKE  (九谷雄岳) * one possible reading for this kanji. 
                       aka Higashi Tadao 1931-2013





🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼

KUTANU YOUHO (九谷勇峰)



                                                              Large vase 


🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

             Kitamura Takashi 北村隆
http://www.ho-shi.co.jp/jiten/Houshi_E/kyu.htm

🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿

MOE GAMA (萠窯) 

The kiln established 1997 by Takeuchi (竹内 靖), a Kutani trained potter. 

                                                              Guinomi 

link:
http://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/kutanike/ob/moegama.html

🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

KUTANI CHINZAN  九谷枕山 



🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

KUTANI IWAHANA DO 九谷岩花堂 (needs verification on reading) 




KUTANI CATS

Although there is no Kutani mark, this style is attributed to Kutani. It has the red MIJ mark. 

Low end mass export ware Mid 1950's





Late nineteenth century Kutani bowl



Kutani Gyokusen





*Aotsubu/aochibu, meaning blue green dots, was used from the Taisho period on. 

Kutani Seikou Kiln








A couple of more marks. Thank you Sandra Simon for sending them to me.

Yamazaki Kutani MIJ (Mark used before and after WWII)

Yamazaki Kutani MIJ (mark used before and after WWII)

                                                                  C. 1950/1060

Yamazaki 

                                                  Late Taishi/early Showa period set c. 1925

KUTANI HAYASHIYA







KUTANI KINEN


                                       Picture used with permission of owner Kerstin Engleby


Google translation: 
Artist's Profile

Born in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture in 1955, studied under Isokichi Asakura, the second generation, a potter of the Order of Culture (10 years later became independent). In 55, he was selected for the first time in "Nitten" (17 times since then, a friend of the Nitten Kai). 59 years, Ishikawa Prefectural Kutani Ware Technical Training Center, Practitioner ース卒業 62 First solo exhibition at Matsuya Ginza store Heisei 2004 Urasenke Professor studied under Mr. Sojun Ise 05 years Hosho school Noh actor Toshihiko Yabu started 14 years Ishikawa Prefectural Assembly Building Entrance Hall Ceramic production 22 years Selected for the first time at the "Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition" 23 years became a member of the Kawabata Yasunari Society 24 years Jury member of the Nomi City Art Exhibition 25 years participated in the establishment of "Junseisha" presided over by Mr. Jun Takekoshi, and in the catalog of Yasunari Kawabata and Kaii Higashiyama Collection Exhibition, who became a doujin, " Writing "Avant-garde and Pottery" "Junseisha Exhibition" JR Osaka Mitsukoshi Isetan 26th Year Year Hokuriku Shinkansen Opening Commemoration Ceramic Plate Production Nomi City Art Exhibition Jury Member "Junseisha Exhibition" recommended as a full member of the "Japan Crafts Association" Daimaru Kyoto Shop "Junseisha Three People Exhibition" JR Osaka Mitsukoshi Isetan 27th Anniversary of the Kawabata Yasunari Literature Museum 30th Anniversary "The World of The Tale of Genji in Kyoto attracted by Yasunari Kawabata" (Mashito Tanishiki Pottery Exhibition) held at the Kawasaki City Yasunari Literature Museum "Junseisha Exhibition" Tenmaya Fukuyama Store "Junseisha Exhibition" Fukuya Hatchobori Main Store 29 Years Solo Exhibition Keikyu Department Store Solo Exhibition Isetan Shinjuku Store 30 Years Kutanigamie Cooperative Chairman "Junseisha Exhibition" Ginza Wako Hall 2020 Received the Chairman's Award of the Preservation Society of the Traditional Kutani Pottery Art Exhibition


Kutani China from a 1962-63 Mail Order Catalog (from the  Prudencio Rodriguez collection)










From the 1968 Catalog


125 comments:

  1. I would like to post what I believe is a 20th Century Kutani mark on a beautiful coffee or tea pot. How do I do that?

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  2. Jerry,
    I only post my own pieces on my blog. Did you have a mark you needed help with?

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    Replies
    1. Hello Marmie, not Jeffry, but Bill. I have a vase I found and would love to know if you could identify the "Makers Mark?" It's really a nice looking vase, but with my luck it's probably newer. Thank you for you time...

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    2. I no longer take personal queries. It became very time consuming researching marks for people for free as you can imagine. I suggest joining a Facebook group like “Collecting Japanese Ceramics & Arts”.

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  3. Jerry, I was wondering......do you have a blog? Maybe you could post it there, send me the link and I could comment on it. Just a thought.

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  4. Hi there! Nice blog. I'm wondering if you could help me ID a piece I've been trying to figure out for years and years? Can I email you some pictures?

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  5. I want to help people but for security and privacy reasons I do not give out my email address. If you have a web page, a blog, or are on Pinterest where you could post the pieces I could try to assist you.

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    1. Thank you, Marmie. I totally understand the email thing. I think you should be able to access these pics that I have stored online at Tinypic, using these URL's.

      http://tinypic.com/m/hv1avr/4

      http://tinypic.com/m/hv0vie/4

      http://tinypic.com/m/hv0vi1/4

      http://tinypic.com/m/hv0vhy/4

      http://tinypic.com/m/hv0vhx/4

      http://tinypic.com/m/hv0vhv/4

      Any help you can offer is most deeply appreciated. I have about driven myself crazy trying to ID this beautiful piece. I'm quite sure this was an art pottery piece made for the domestic Japanese market; the box unfortunately was not with it when I purchased it from a thrift shop in Arizona 12 years ago. The folks at the thrift shop knew nothing about it; it had been turned in as a donation without remark from the previous owner.
      Thanks again,
      Norma

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    2. Norma, I tried to access your pictures but was only able to get to the homepage of tiny pics. Perhaps to see individual photos one must be a member? Or if your links were clickable I might be able to get in? I really would like to help if I can.

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    3. Marmie,
      It's possible only the tinypic accountholder can access those links. I've copied the tinypic IMG codes for you, they're meant to be used for posting to forums and message boards, perhaps you can access these?
      [IMG]http://i42.tinypic.com/293hvgx.jpg[/IMG]
      [IMG]http://i44.tinypic.com/11rtbtx.jpg[/IMG]
      [IMG]http://i44.tinypic.com/30jshae.jpg[/IMG]
      [IMG]http://i41.tinypic.com/2jw8zo.jpg[/IMG]
      [IMG]http://i43.tinypic.com/2druam1.jpg[/IMG]
      [IMG]http://i39.tinypic.com/2zhl6y9.jpg[/IMG]
      Thanks!
      Norma

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    4. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    5. I forgot to add the age of the piece. My guess as far as a time frame would be later 20th century.

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    6. Marmie,
      I am truly indebted to you, thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You've brought my search to an end, with more info than I'd hoped for. I wish you much success with this blog, and hope that many other people discover you and take advantage of the wonderful learning tool you offer to help spread the appreciation of Japanese ceramic arts.
      Most sincerely,
      Norma

      Delete
  6. Marmie,
    I just remembered I had posted an info request to the ebay discussion boards last August. That link is still active, and contains the photos.
    Here's the URL:
    http://community.ebay.com/t5/Pottery-Glass-Porcelain/Japanese-pottery-vase-ID-maker-amp-date-help/m-p/17208227#M44452
    I hope that works for you.
    Norma

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  7. Marmie,
    So Shiga is where the little Tanukis come from? I have one of them, and I absolutely adore him! I also have a set of three tiny little owls that I'm pretty sure are the same type of ware.

    I'm hoping you'll be willing to answer a few more questions for me, since I'm clueless when it comes to Asian art. I'm a fairly knowledgable antiques and collectibles enthusiast, but my identification abilities stop short at foreign alphabets.

    As I understand you, the village where the vase was made is Shiga? So, is Misugi the name of the artist who designed the piece, or is Misugi the name of the factory where it was produced? As I understand you, this piece was molded and then incised and glazed by production workers, and not an individual artist? Also, I've found reference to a man named Takatoshi Misugi who wrote quite a few books on ceramics; does he have any connection with this piece?

    I found a like-shaped and finished vase at this link: http://www.fareastasianart.com/stores/ICHIBAN/items/494875/item494875fareastasianart.html That vase has the earthy colored glazes that you mention as being characteristic of Shigaraki. It is priced at $275.00. So, does the odd experimental glaze color used on my vase make it less valuable?

    I am semi-retired, and have a lifetime accumulation of stuff that I'm working on liquidating a little at a time. I plan to offer this vase for sale on eBay. I have had it carefully stored the past twelve years, and it kills me to part with it because I truly love it. However, it goes unseen in storage because I've always been afraid to display it. This is due to the fact that I have three kitty cats with no special regard for delicate valuables that occupy desirable perch spots.

    I'm very particular about getting factual information about items I offer on eBay, since I have an excellent reputation that I wish to preserve. I'd be extremely grateful if you'd be gracious enough to answer any of these additional questions. I have already sold off several Japanese items from my collection over the past two years, and I always donate some of the proceeds to the Fukushima victims. Such will be the case when I sell this vase, too, unless you have another favorite Japanese charity to suggest?

    Thanks again for all your help, and I appreciate any of this additional info you might be able to offer.



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shigaraki pottery is in Shiga Prefecture. yes, it is famous for the tanuki figures. there are several towns that produce Shigaraki pottery in that region. The vase you have is signed Misugi. Whether that is the kiln name or the name of the artist is unclear. As I mentioned I did find another vase signed Misugi that was sold by Yamajo Touki. I assume this was made by a group rather than by an individual artist. I do not think Takatoshi Misugi is related. let me check out the reference you sent and get back to you on that.

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    2. I checked that vase out at fareastasianart. I think it is way over priced, especially since it is probably a factory made vase. I did not find any reference in Japanese to a specific artist named Misugi. Now, that does not mean there isn't one, just that I could not find one.
      Good luck with your sales and thank you for your generous donations for Fukushima. I felt that earthquake even though I was 350 miles away. All of Japan was affected in the aftermath!!

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    3. Thanks once again Marmie, You've been a godsend!!!
      Best Regards,
      Norma

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  8. Hi! I was hoping you might be able to help me identify the maker of a little green vase I found in a box I got at an estate sale? I put some pictures on pinterest but don't really use pinterest so not sure exactly how it works. LOL Here is my pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/laurianderson96/my-little-vase/ Thank you so much in advance for any help/info. Lauri

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    Replies
    1. Lauri,
      You purchased a Kutani piece. It is a tea cup, but the mark in the picture is upside down. This generic Kutani mark was used in the mid 20th century, probably between 1940's -1960's. Those dates are not firm but will give you a general idea of the date made. Enjoy your cup, or vase if you choose to use it that way.

      Delete
  9. Hello and thank you ahead of time, for your time and help! I have 3 cups and 5 saucers that I purchased at an estate sale several months ago and have been trying to identify ever since. Can you help me? This is a link to Photo Bucket and I hope I am copying the correct link. http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/mj1957/library/Yamaka%20China

    I copied and pasted the link in a new browser and it took me to the china, hopefully this will take you to the pictures of my cups and saucers. The markings on the bottom say Yamaka, but I have googled everything I can think of and do not find this pattern or that mark. I do find Yamaka, but nothing like these. Any info would help me rest at night! It is a mystery that is keeping me up at night! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary,
      I was unable to locate your exact mark. A similar mark can be found on a sight called Cathy's Made in Occupied Japan Page, under Yamaka. Your mark is similar but I believe it is a mark made only for the domestic Japanese market. The mark is a bit blurry but under the bird picture in Japanese it says Yamaka Shoten (illegible) Ki, which is Yamaka merchant shop. Yamaka china was established in 1913 in Gifu prefecture. Most china making stopped during the war with the exception of Noritake, I believe. After the war (1945-1952) pieces were marked "Made in Occupied Japan". I don't think this applies to the china made solely for the domestic Japanese market. Given the style and design of the pieces and the mark on the back I would venture to guess it was made in the early 1950's, however I have seen some of the same straight handle designs used in the 1930's. The lithophane image was very popular after the war with many GI's returning home with geisha image tea cups. Lithophane was also produced before the war so there is a slight possibility these could have been produced before the war. I was not able to find anything helpful in Japanese either. I am not sure if this helps you but I will keep a look out!

      Delete
  10. Marmie, What a wonderful fund of knowledge you have accumulated on your site. Congratulations. I have a Japanese vase with the following mark and have not been able to find the like of it anywhere. Do you have any idea what the mark is? Here is an image: http://tinyurl.com/oxdy6rr - many thanks in anticipation - Luis Porretta

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The mark at the link you sent me is upside down. The mark appears to be Kutani Sengaku (九谷泉岳). After researching the Japanese auction websites I see that works by this potter sell anywhere from 500 yen to 3000 yen ($5-$30USD) in Japan. Since the vase is not pictured in your link and no size or dimensions are given it is hard to compare to ones I have seen on line. Of course one must consider the shipping charges from Japan which would add to the cost greatly. Good luck.

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  11. Your site is a real gem and so informative.
    Thank you for taking the time to create it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for taking time to comment. I hope it helps.

      Delete
  12. This is an amazing! Thank you Marmie for sharing the knowledge!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you for your kind comment. I hope what I post will be helpful to fellow lovers of Japanese ceramics.

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  14. Hello Marmie,

    What a wonderful blog! Thank you for doing it.

    I came upon some Yumoni cups (I believe) I received when I was in Japan in the 1980s. There are no markings, but they come in a box with a pamphlet, I have posted pictures on Photobucket. If you have any idea of what they are, I would so appreciate it!

    Thank you so much for your time!
    http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/cowboytommy/library/Yumoni%20cups

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The YUNOMI set you have is MASHIKO-yaki. It is folk Pottery, known as Mingei. It is not unusual to not have a mark on Mingei pottery. Although my Japanese reading ability is limited I can tell you that you bought it at Kenmoku Mingei Ten, or Kenmoku folk pottery store. They are lovely cups.

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    2. Thank you Marmie!

      You really know your stuff!

      :)

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    3. Hello again!

      I came across another box of pottery - probably folk pottery as. I have a set of 6 cups and saucers. Again, no markings, but there is a sticker on the cups. I've added two photos to the link above.

      http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/cowboytommy/library/Yumoni%20cups

      Thank you in advance!

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    4. The cups and saucer set is Kasama Pottery of Ibaraki Prefecture

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    5. You are amazing!

      Delete
  15. Hi I have what I believe is a Kutani vase but not sure on maker and age can you help?

    https://www.etsy.com/listing/192665350/japanese-kutani-vase-gold-trim-rim-mark

    Thanks in advance! Love your blog so resourceful!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree that it reads Kutani Shogetsu, but I cannot find an exact match on any Japanese site. It is hard to identify marks sometimes as potters carry names from past generations. Sometimes they even begin with one mark and then change to another mark at different points in their careers. I am not really qualified to date your piece but it does not seem to be recent. I could not even find a similar design. I will keep an eye open. FYI, vases signed Kutani Sogetsu on Japanese auction sites seem to range from around $10-$150. I am sure the discepency can be explained by which Shogetsu made it as well as the knowledge or ignorance of the seller.

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  16. Yes I can not find another like it. I priced it high because of that. I figured it was a mid century piece. But now I am thinking it may be older. I appreciate your insight, keep me posted if you discover anything interesting! Thanks

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  17. HI Marmie,
    You were so helpful in helping once in identifying a mark for me, I was hoping I could ask again.
    I recently purchased a chinese vase from an estate sell. The estate was an old hotel that had opened in early 1900's and closed in 1960. Supposedly the belongings of the hotel had been in storage ever since. I am wondering what type of vase this is and what the mark is. Can you give me an idea of the age too? Thank you so much. I posted pics on Photobucket.
    http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/mj1957/library/Chinese%20Vase

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In am on the road right now but hope to get to this once I get back home. I will do what I can, but can not make any promises, especially if it is Chinese as this is not my specialty. Thanks for becoming a follower on my blog.

      Delete
    2. Oh my goodness, I realize now that I am so ignorant to the subject that i am not sure if this is Chinese or Japanese! I said Chinese, but am not sure if it is or not. I thank you and will wait for you to return. Any help is appreciated!...Mary

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  18. Mary, I believe what you have is a Kaga (Kutani) Matsubara made vase. The mark reads Matsubara Sei. Although it does not have Kaga or Kutani written on the bottom, it does appear to be in the Kaga Kutani style circa 1900. You may wish to also Google Matsubara Kutani and research additionally on your own.Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Marmie, thank you and I certainly will Google that. Do you think it could be as old as early 1900's?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it could have been made through the first part of the 20th century according to what I read....as early as perhaps the 1890's I suppose, although I did not find an exact match.

      Delete
  20. Also, what does Matsubara Sei mean or represent? Is that the name of the region/place, company or artist? I've googled all of the names above but am confused on the meaning of the mark. Thank you for your help...Mary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just search for Kutani Matsubara. Sei just means produced by.

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    2. Thank you again!

      Delete
  21. Hello. May I which style would Kutani military sake cups (early 1900s to 1940s) come under? Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Feel free to send a picture of the cup and mark to my blog email. marmiet23@gmail.com

      Delete
  22. I am looking to identify the markings on a Kutani bowl that seem to read Shimazaki Sei--that is, the characters for island, cape or small peninsula, and produced by. Have you run across this kiln or potter?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have not. Feel free to send a picture of the piece and the mark to marmiet23@gmail.com

      Delete
  23. i have a friend with a vase she wants to sale and we know nothing bout if i send u some pics can u tell us bout it plz i see an email in post above so will send there tyvm

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi,
    I have three modern Japanese dishes that I am looking to identify the maker. Also, is there a term for this type of ware?
    Images can be seen here:
    http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/imaginara1/library/3jap?sort=3&page=1


    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The markings are not dark enough to read. The bottom character on the mark is sen 千 but the top character is too light to read. If you get a darker picture please send it to marmiet23@gmail.com. I will try to help if I can.

      Delete
  25. I have some Kutani china hand painted my parents bought in Japan. Can you help with this? I will send you an email.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Marmie, In regards to Kutani Kakuzan, is this the same Kakuzan that is in Kyoto? I see a few selling sites from Japan saying that Kakuzan is a famous potter in Kyoto, and I have found sometimes they say potter when it should translate to pottery or kiln. But this Kakuzan is making a different style pottery, unless he/ they make both! I have been searching for over an hour and your pictures keep popping up in the images so thought I would ask.. I am trying to learn if Kakuzan is a potter (my first thought due to the 'zan' part) or a ? thanks so much! Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  27. Sharon, some potter name are used in many areas. Some have the same kanji and other different kanji with the same sound. Send me a picture of your piece and I will try to find some information for you in Japanese.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Could you help me with the make of my vase,I've searched the Internet but can't find the same markings.It is a black vase with a peacock in gold.I don't know how to add a picture.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You need to send it to marmiet23@gmail.com. What you described is a common motif.

      Delete
  29. Hi Marmie

    I have a blue colbalt 3 1/2 inch vase or maybe ginger jar. On the bottom it has a rectangle. First line are the symbols for Kutani then PB (circled) Second line reads Kutani

    any clues as to the year? I have not been able to find this exact mark anywhere.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can you send me a picture? Marmiet23@gmail.com

      Delete
  30. Im emailing you 2 photos of a dish I believe is Kutani. I cannot find the artist's mark. Can you shed any light? It is brown and ivory swirl. I dont have it here but I believe it was pottery not glass.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hello Marmie,
    Found your blog by accident and have been enjoying the information you share. I have a Hirado ware covered bowl decorated in a Kutani aka-e style. It has marks on both the top and bottom I hope you can help identify. May I send you photos?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Send the photos to Marmiet23@gmail.com
      Maybe I can accidentally be of some help. ;)

      Delete
  32. Hello!
    Enjoyed finding your site, I sent you an email with images hoping you may be able to help me.
    Thanks for this wonderful resource!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hello, I liked looking at the wonderful photos of the art pottery posted here. I have a question that hopefully you can help me with - I bought 2 lovely green apple colored bowls over 25 years ago in CA at a yardsale. The lady said she only had 2 left from the set & she didn't want them anymore. They are just regular type pottery not art like you have posted here but I would like to know more about the one I have left. I believe my husband had a little accident with the other bowl as it went missing a few years back but he knows 'nothing about it', lol. I don't believe it is very valuable since it isn't art but since it is the last one I have & I just love it, I thought that if I could find out more information on it I might be able to get a few more bowls.

    Other than the brilliant green apple color, the only identifying mark is the letters on the bottom of the bowl. They are covered by a clear glaze but on top of the green color. They appear to have been stamped with black ink but not indented into the bottom at all. All capital letters JAPAN but there is more spacing between the letters but not as much as a space denotes here. It actually looks like each letter was stamped one at a time by hand.

    I hope this is enough information for you to tell me where to start looking because everywhere I looked so far has been the art style pottery not what I have.

    Thank you so much for taking the time to read & try to help me.
    Hope you have a wonderful day,
    Amber

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please send me pictures at the email address off on the side bar of my blog page. Japan made so many items for export but I will try to help you.

      Delete
    2. I have a set of japanese tea cups and saucers that say made in japan on the back they are trimmed in gold . I am not sure what year they were made in and I wanted to know the value of them

      Delete
  34. Hi! I have a blue and white piece that I could use help identifying. Would you be interested in assisting please?

    ReplyDelete
  35. Please send to the gmail address on the side bar.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hello Marmie, I am so glad I found your site. You are obviously a go-to person who is nice and respectful to those us who know some but not enough about the Japanese art we've collected or been gifted over the years. Of my many art pieces there is one given to me by my beloved late uncle 20 years ago that has a small rectangle indentation on the bottom that no other like it has. I sent pics and a question to another helping hand site and was told quite rudely 'Dear, I see no marking unless you are mistaking that GLUE residue from sticker, and furthermore, have NEVER seen this pattern with bamboo and doubt it is even REAL' Oh and 'I would love to be proven wrong,but NOT going to happen'. I can clearly feel the pattern under my finger and photo clearly shows a pattern. It ie very small and hard to focus on. My brother also took pic w/new camera and could only make out a Fu-a or g-il or ll-a then a small space and the start of a cap. letter,just a straight line the rest was worn away, no doubt helped by my scratching at non-existing glue. I'll send same photos to you that I sent big meanie (with her CAP letters)because i know you'll let me down, if need be,politely, Hope you can help. Sincerely, Alexandera

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I regret that I am no longer able to take queries. I would recommend you to join any of the facebook groups that deal with Japanese ceramics. One is Collecting Japanese Ceramics & Arts

      Delete
  37. hi Marnie. i have a set of 6 cup trios that a very modern as it has the word Japan it is made by nathco. i cant seem to find anything on this company, i presume the set is from between 1920 and 1950 as it was my grandmothers. i can send you pics if you have an email. i havent been able to locate anything with similar or same design

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hello Marmie,
    Im having trouble finding my markings under bowl, can anyone tell me ? I can't find it anywhere! thanks.

    http://s019.radikal.ru/i635/1706/f4/6611c92bf937.jpg

    http://s018.radikal.ru/i501/1706/11/881fd90cb800.jpg


    ReplyDelete
  39. would you help to identify a back-stamp it si a red painted background withwhat looks like an arrow witha mark to the right then a 7 wuith a line to the right then two slashes with tail to the right

    ReplyDelete
  40. can you help to identify back stamp red with gold symbols what looks like an arrow with a tail a seven with a tail a two slashes with a tail

    ReplyDelete
  41. Could you tell me if this is a Kutani mark? The cup is from 1900's
    here is a link to the photo.
    http://i1383.photobucket.com
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  42. Could you please try to assist to identify the mark in the linked photos- I have got a set of the cup and a matching plate. While they have the 5 "M"s mark, I could not find that specific mark anywhere (yet). Your assistance is much appreciated.
    http://s345.photobucket.com/user/hmoriel/library/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am sorry. As is noted in two places on my blog, I am no longer able to tale personal queries. I receive many both on the blog and by email. There is just not enough time to do the research for so many.

      Delete
  43. Thank you for your site! My late aunt who lived in Japan in the 70s left me a beautiful little plate. On the back she had put a small piece of paper over the mark with the following:

    Kutani Kinsai
    made by Kuriudo - old - about 80 years - pure gold filled?

    I'm not sure of the "made by" name because there are symbols?/phonetic mark? in her writing.

    I understand you no longer look at personal queries but could you point me in the right direction to find out more about this piece? I live in Mississippi and my access to anything Japanese is slim to none.

    Thank you for your help!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kutani.org
      Collecting Japanese Ceramics & Arts group on Facebook

      Delete
  44. Having read and enjoyed all your posts and information over the years, I just wanted to say thank you for being such a wonderful model and example for those who strive to help others personally. What you write through the internet is only the tip of the iceberg in time and effort that you have put in and your generous, gracious and sometimes humorous responses are simply a delight to read. What a lovely person you are!

    ReplyDelete
  45. WOW! How kind of you to take the time to let me know that my labor of love is being of some use. You are generous with your praise so thank you for that. ;) (not really deserved, but I'll take it).

    ReplyDelete
  46. Dear Marmie. My daughter received a tea pot as a gift from her grandmother. Can you please advise where I can identify this? My mother is Russian and she received that piece from her nanny on the Chinese-Russian boarder in early 1950s and we now live in the UK so it's hard to know where to start. There is a distinctive mark that has a mountain on it and under the mountain, on the right hand side, the mark resembles a capital letter A. Thank you very much in advance.

    ReplyDelete
  47. The mark you describe does not ring a bell.

    ReplyDelete
  48. greetings trying to gather some info have a few japanese pieces vases used for ikebana baring a ko signature and a hole in the base anyone out ther knows of this

    ReplyDelete
  49. Greetings! I am crossing my fingers that you may be able to assist me with this vase. I have researched off and on for 3 years. I think it reads 九谷+泉山 but I can't find any other work like it.

    Any help would be amazing and sincerely appreciated!! The link below shows the work.

    https://imgur.com/MOwXnOX

    ReplyDelete
  50. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  51. As indicated on my blog I am no longer able to help with individual pieces. It takes time to research for people and I have found it too time consuming. Your piece is signed Kutani Kosen. There is no additional marking. I would say vintage is a safe bet. It looks like a typical sansui motif.

    ReplyDelete
  52. I have a few pieces of a tea set that I know was from world war 2, when a great uncle was in the war and in Japan would you be able to help identify it?

    ReplyDelete
  53. As noted on my blog I do not take personal queries.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hello,
    I'm looking to note if this is authentic kutani and which era https://www.ebay.ca/itm/143052298640?ul_noapp=true

    ReplyDelete
  55. As mentioned on my blog, I usually don’t help with personal questions as this requires a lot of time.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hello, how can I tell the difference between Japanese and Chinese pottery,porcelain & ceramics.Does the color of the marking matter ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Experience, research, etc. One must study typical motifs, and styles between Japanese and Chinese ceramics. The color of the mark is only one factor among many to determine which is which. Learning the history and development of ceramics in Japan, China and Korea is important. Time and experience...unfortunately there is no crash course.

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    2. I forgot to mention that learning the typical marks used during specific eras is helpful.

      Delete
  57. I Have 2 figurines with a mark japan hand painted, stamp look like hand. I thought they are geisha's, but the hair is not typical for. Where I can submit images maybe you can help me to figure out what kind of figurine I have and what what time is the stamp. Thanks in advance. By the way your article is amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I’m sorry, there is no photo submission enabled on this blog. I recommend joining a Facebook group on the subject. Consider Collecting Japanese Ceramics &Arts

    ReplyDelete
  59. Hello. Your blog is full of information and by scrolling these and browsing marks to identify my pieces it was very helpful. I like what you done, its excellent.
    My question is though, which of all Sake cup, arita ware artisans would incorporate animals in there paintings and work. one set I have has this bird, do know what it could be? What are common birds and flowers in japanese culture used I guess this bird has short beak and mohawk like top feathers. My problem is reading the writings on make on bottom do you read across ot top to bottom? Any ideas?
    Thanks for your time and work put in with content. I appreciate this. As I do something similar I know the work involved on blogs and making content takes a lot work. THANK YOU

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Animals are a common feature in Japanese Ceramics. The Asian zodiac animals are often portrayed, as well as many animals common to Japan. There are also mythological creatures used in decorations. The Hoo bird is a common motif.
      As far as writing, it is complex depending on time period and differs from potter to potter...but generally left top to bottom then right top to bottom. More modern
      pieces may go from left to right, or arranged in a western way. Experience will develop the more you study.

      Delete
  60. I have a sixty year old tea set and pretty sure its from japan. it was purchased overseas.

    ReplyDelete
  61. There has been some debate about the period when the "squiggle in a square" mark was used here:

    https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/284743-meoto-yunomi-set-generic-kutani-marks

    Can you comment, please?

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Hello. I have a Kutano Eizan vase, white color with green plants, pink flowers and birds. But I would like to know the period of the artist and how significant the vase is, cause I am moving and want to give it to someone who would appreciate and maintain it.

    My family has had it from the 1970's but not sure how back it goes.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Without seeing it I cannot say for certain, but it I probably from the era you mentioned.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Hi there, I recently bought a lovely vase, it is stamped Japan and has another mark along side it, would you be bale to help identify it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is a blog and not interactive. I am not helping with ID’s anymore. Giving free ID’s became overwhelming.

      Delete
  65. You have shared awesome pictures in your blogpost. I really like it your ceramic potters. Thankyou very much for sharing this amazing article with us.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Congrats for an incredibly well researched blog. This work is incredibly time consuming, specially if you are not living in Japan. Keep up the good work !!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your kind words. It is still very much a work in progress.

      Delete
  67. Hi: I apologize if this shows up twice, gmail made me log in again before publishing it but when I came back the message was gone. I have a couple of ginger jars with the same mark and I'm trying to identify them. The mark has two characters that show up in the generic Kaku section above but there are also two more marks I can't identify. I assume (I'm really new at this) that they further identify the mark, perhaps the artist. How do I go about providing photos to you?

    ReplyDelete
  68. As is written in several places on my blog, I am no longer taking personal queries. I haven’t for a few years now. I was receiving too many requests for free information and it became time consuming. A blog is not a good format to do ID’s and PM’s were intrusive. Try joining one of the Facebook groups on Japanese ceramics. Good luck.

    ReplyDelete
  69. I'm not asking you to identify a mark per se. I'm just curious as to if you've ever come across the "squiggle in a square" with the two marks in the other order? Both marks face the same directions but the first is last and last is first.

    ReplyDelete
  70. I’m sorry, your description doesn't make sense to me. Unfortunately a blog isn’t a great way to get answer to questions. Try the Facebook group: Collecting Japanese Ceramics and Arts.

    ReplyDelete
  71. I'm referencing your terminology in the third picture at the top of the page. I would try Facebook, but I don't have an account and that makes it slightly difficult.

    ReplyDelete
  72. You must mean the generic Kutani mark. It just says Kutani 九谷…but you read it right to left.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Okay, this mark uses the same symbols but like this 谷九... and you actually have to study pretty hard to see that.

    ReplyDelete
  74. I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. Koransha

    ReplyDelete
  75. Hello Marmie, could you give me more information about a vase I got as a wedding present. I would like to understand the markings.

    ReplyDelete

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