Yamaka China was established in 1913 in Toki Gifu Prefecture. It is a huge ceramic manufacturing town. Yamaka is still in operation today. There are many different marks which were used over the years.
You are invited to come along with me as I learn about Japanese ceramics. I will share what I learn about the kilns, history, terminology, potters, decorators, styles, and marks. This is a work in progress. ** NOTICE: I DO NOT ANSWER QUERIES ON PERSONAL PIECES. I DO NOT GIVE VALUATIONS. General comments and questions will still be accepted.
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From 1921-1941, wares from Japan exported to the United States had to be marked "Japan" or "Made in Japan". During Wor... -
The This company was in business from 1954-1994. It was bought out by Enesco in 1994. Registered in NYC and San Francisco. Recognized by it... -
Kutani ware is from Ishikawa Prefecture. The markings are often in red, but can be impressed, in blue, gold and sometimes black with a g...
I'm interested in any information you may have on the Yamaka company. I have a partial set of china, circa 1950's that is the Yamaka company of Japan in the pattern of "Mandarin" (looks like silver or platinum edging and a gentle bamboo pattern). Rather than value, I'm interested in information about the company and people who created it, and how this pattern came to be sold on the U.S. market. Any info would be greatly appreciated. You can reach me at wardc@eoni.com
ReplyDeleteYamaka China began in 1913 by Mr. Kato in Gifu Prefecture, Toki City. It was not until 1966 that they established an American affiliate (International China Company). Since your pattern dates to around 1950 I would say that it was probably shipped back home by an American service man. Many sent home complete sets in crates. I did notice that there are many of your style on a website that sells replacement pieces. If you have other questions you can reach me at marmiet23@gmail.com.
DeleteThank you! Now I'm intrigued. I'll be having dinner with my mother in law tonight, and it is her wedding china, so I will ask her how she got it and confirm the year. I know her oldest was born in 1955 or so, and I'm sure it was the prior year that they married which would date it to mid 1950's if I'm correct. I so appreciate the information. Yes, I did notice that replacements.com carries some pieces of this pattern. It's quite pretty.
ReplyDeleteoh...also...how long was International China Company in business and where did they operate from? Did they distribute widely in the U.S.?
ReplyDeleteI do not know the answer to your question. I only gave you the information that they published on the Japanese site. It was only a brief rundown of the history of Yamaka. I have not done in depth study of the mass producing china companies in Japan as I spend more time with smaller kilns. Good luck!!
DeleteThank you!
ReplyDeleteI have my Grandmother's Yamaka 2976 pattern china set. Service for 12. Where do I find information about the origin of manufacture, the date and most important, the value?
ReplyDeleteI assume this is your pattern?
Deletehttp://www.replacements.com/webquote/YAM2976.htm
I could not find anything on it on Japanese sites. It was probably made for export.
I am trying to research my Grandmothers china. The only print states Maytime By Yamaka Japan on the bottom of the pieces. I can't find specific years of production on the internet. The set has the blue flowers,Gray leaves, and Platinum trim. I found it on Replacements Ltd also, but they didn't have much information on site other than that. I would love to be able to tell her more about it. So any information or websites I can visit would be greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI did not have much luck. Some post I saw say it was made in the 1960's but could not confirm this with Japanese records.
ReplyDeleteHello i have Yamaka Cartier Fine China 2895 set. I went to a lot antique stores to get some information about this brand but couldnt find aswers. I have read this one very very rare. Any information about thw brand will really be appreciated. Please email me at klaud.klaud@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI did not find out any additional information. I will post here if I come across any helpful information.
ReplyDeleteI have a big bowl in the back it has yamaka toki signature.
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ReplyDeleteI have Yamaka China made in Japan that I can't identify or find a value. Can anyone help me??
ReplyDeletePlease send photos of the piece and any markings to Marmiet23@gmail.com
DeleteI can take a look.
I have the same problem. I will send you a photo from bowl25
ReplyDeleteThank you
I saw one today stamped by this company and "made in occupied Japan". But no pattern number.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. Did you happen to take a picture of it? Made in Occupied Japan marks run from about 1946-1952.
DeleteI have a whole set with this stamp can't find any info other than what you stated thanks
DeleteMy mother has been looking to find out some information about a tea set she inherited from my grandmother. I'm sending you an email with some pictures of the set. We are trying to find out what pattern it is. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteNot all china produced in Japan, even by large companies, have a pattern name or number (especially in the early years).
ReplyDeleteWe have a service of Yamaka moderne 2081 China. Is this a vintage set? We habed a full service for 8 and looking for any info or value on this set. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI do not have any additional information on this pattern. I also do not do values.
ReplyDeleteI have the Yamaka Thistle set from 1959. It is a full set that I got from my Grandparents. There are a few pieces missing but it's mostly complete with about 12 place settings and a bunch of odds and ends like creamer, platters, etc..
ReplyDeleteI don't know about all sets like this, but mine came from a gas station rewards program. It was very common and popular, so I am guessing many of these Yamaka dishes were acquired this way. I'm not sure if it was subscription based or how the exact transaction worked, but it was basically some portion of the set was given away for each fill up. Since my set is complete, I'm guessing it might have been get the whole 12 place set after 10 fill ups or something similar. These sets would have been brought over in bulk by the gas company to support the ad campaign I imagine. So that is a possibility as to how so many made it to the USA despite no US reps tied to Yamaka.
Very interesting. I will try to look into it. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI have a Yamaha China set pattern # 2089(Antique Rose); do you by chance know what year it was made?!
ReplyDeleteI was given a set i believe to be a 54 pc. Set but not sure so I was wondering if by chance someone could help me find out more about it:
ReplyDelete"Yamaka china" chatham 1720 japan is on the stamp
I have my grandmothers Yamaha dinner set and was wondering how old it is. How do I post pictures for you to see it and help me?
ReplyDeleteThis is a blog so interactions are difficult. I also had to stop answering questions as it got to be too much. I recommend joining a Facebook group for Japanese ceramics. Try Collecting Japanese Ceramics & Arts group.
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