Bibi China has two main marks that I am aware of.
Hand Painted
ビビ
NIPPON
and
MADE IN JAPAN
ビビ
The Nippon Mark would date sometime between 1891-1921.
The Made in Japan Mark would be later.
Several sites indicate that BiBi ware was exported to Lebanon for sale in the Middle East through 1947. I have not verified this.
Marmie, This site is a godsend! So much interesting information and so thorough. Definitely in my favorites list. You've also been so helpful to others, and I was wondering if you would mind taking a look at a couple of vases that I purchased recently at an estate sale. I believe one is Japanese Satsuma with some moriage detail but with no signature or mark, and I believe the second one is also Japanese Satsuma with a mark on the base that I cannot make out, except for one which I believe is the tsukuru mark. Any help at all would be appreciated so much. Thank you in advance, Sonia. Below are the photobucket links.
ReplyDeletehttp://s878.photobucket.com/user/rsrusiecki/library/Satsuma%20Moriage%20Vase
http://s878.photobucket.com/user/rsrusiecki/library/
In the future please send to marmiet23@gmail.com as it is easier than cutting and pasting for me.
DeleteThe top vase is export Satsuma style, probably made in Kyoto, Tokyo or Yokohama around 1915.
The bottom one has a mark but it is not very clear, seems to have worn off with age. Unknown top character, then Ta and then Zo (made by)
I recommend joining the Collectiong Japanese Ceramics group on Facebook. You can post pictures with questions and get additional help. I help out there when I can and there are many knowledgeable people who help out there from all over the world.