Tuesday, August 12, 2014

MADE IN OCCUPIED JAPAN 1945-1952


Made in Occupied Japan ceramics were produced between 1945 and 1952. Irene Stitt in her book, "Japanese Ceramics of the Last 100 Years" states that some fakes were made from this period of lighter weight, hollow inside and marked in orange or black (probably referring to knick-knacks).

This sake cup is most likely made by Kutani though not marked as such






I have seen many of this M.B mark but I don't know what the M.B. means yet.



 NikoNiko China made a lot of "Dragon Ware". This is a slightly less gaudy style from others I have seen.  Niko Niko can mean "smile" in Japanese. I am sure the designers were smiling (haha) when they made these as since the Japanese prefer simpler and more refined work.
     


                                        **********************************

NORITAKE "M" mark on MIOJ 













             Tashiro Toen MIOJ tea cup.


          Four leaf Clover MIOJ Mark

************

                                       CPO (central purchasing office)

This set is in perfect condition!


Ohata China 


Chugai China


UCAGCO CHINA Hand Painted Japan

United China & Gift Company (formerly United China & Glass)

Merit China





Other manufacturers of MIOJ wares:

Chubu China
NKT (Nikko)



See  also this link to Occupied Japan at the Nagoya Ceramics Museum






17 comments:

  1. Hi there,

    Have you ever seen the mark of a company called CPC, made in Occupied Japan? I'm tearing apart the internet, and can't seem to find anything! Any help would be appreciated.

    Best,
    Collin

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Made in Occupied Japan ceramics often had CPO in a diamond shape. Is this what you are referring to? Perhaps the stamp was not applied perfectly leaving a C rather than an O. CPO is the Central Purchasing Office of the Occupied forces from about 1946-1952.

      Delete
    2. No, this is definitely C.P.C., and it's surrounded by a wreath of leaves.

      Delete
    3. Many companies came and went and few records remain. I am not familiar with the CPC mark. There are some books on Made In Occupied Japan out there. I do not have any of them though.

      Delete
    4. Alright, well thanks anyway! I will keep looking...

      Delete
    5. Collin, try joining "Collecting Japanese Ceramics" on Facebook. You can post your pictures and maybe someone will have an answer for you there.

      Delete
    6. I'll give it a shot - thanks again!

      Delete
  2. I have a figurine of little boy blue, horn and chicken. The mark on bottom says made in occupied Japan, however the word occupied is upside down. Japan is on top then the upsidedown occupied, then Japan last. Is this a mistake or what?

    ReplyDelete
  3. It was probably stamped and whoever made the stamp put the "Occupied" upside down. Probably only a few were made before the error was discovered.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have an miniature incense burner, the bottom has an orange stamped mark that reads CFC JAPAN and a Japanese symbol in between. Could someone tell me a bit more about the piece, please? It appears to be poorly hand painted.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CFC does not appear in any of the MIJ books that I have. Keep in mind that many cottage industries existed cranking out exports as fast as could to meet demand. Children and other family members participated in the decorating of the wares. Most of the companies no longer exist and no records were kept.

      Delete
  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  6. http://muare1.vcmedia.vn/images/32/DSC02958_1275058246.jpg

    (Letters: 大南監製)

    I have a tea set with this mark on the bottom, but I'm having difficulty identifying it. I think the pottery was probably made after 1945 intended for export to boost the economy after the war, but I'm not sure. Could you help me? I received the set as a gift from my grandmother, so ever since I've wanted to know more about it.

    ReplyDelete
  7. My mother has just given to me a rose pattern 'Regina' teaset - Teapot, sugar bowl (broken handle, bits saved), creamer, 6 cake plates, 6 saucers (on slight chip) and 5 cups. Sentimental value to me as my father bought while on leave while serving in Korea and shipped to my mother. What is the best way to value this in Australia and is it possible to repair the handle - or even worth it? Thanks for your time.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I couldn't tell you the value but I can say that sets of China are not selling well these days. Most people rarely sit down for a formal meal anymore. As far as repair, not sure the cost of epair would be worth it

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hello, I have a piece that is showing it was made in Occupied Japan. It has a "W" inside two leaf branches, it also says it was handpainted. The plate has some raised flowers, look like roses with a gold band around the outer rim. I would love to send you a photo of it. THanks for your site.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As is mentioned on my blog, I am no longer taking personal inquiries.

      Delete

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