Monday, July 4, 2016

TOUSEI TOUKI (統制陶器)-Ceramics made during WWII (domestic)

During WWII there were no exports from Japan. Most production was focused on the war effort. However, domestic ceramic wares were produced during 1941-1946 (Showa 15-21).  They were made in various areas under government control. They are usually marked with the the first kanji character for the area where they were produced and a number. I believe the numbers indicate the kiln.

For example the area of manufacture is the mark along with a number:

Arita made 有55 
Banko made 万 120
Bizen made 備 3
Gifu (Mino) made 岐 123
Hasami made 波 32
Hizen made 肥 28
Kyoto made 京 252
Nagoya made 名 24
Seto made 品 148
Seto made 瀬 202
Seto made セ 598
Shigaraki made 信 240
Tokoname made 常 107


Here is a great Japanese site which has many examples. The examples I used above were translated from this site so that you can maneuver your way around the site to see the various examples shown there.


Here is another link which shows that the snake eye foot was still being made during the World War II  period. I had previously thought the snake eye was only made through Meiji or early Taisho period.


Some examples of Tousei Touki marks:





To the left is the Aoki mark with 有55 meaning made by Aoki in Arita during the war
The two on the right are the Gifu mark 岐.



 A personal “te-hibachi” hand warmer, marked with the Hi 肥 for Hizen. This is Shida Yaki of Shiota, Saga Prefecture. 
Hizen 52






        Small plate with Gifu mark 917







This is a mark on a military cup found at fb group Collecting Japanese Ceramics and Arts
This is unusual in that it does not have a number. It is marked right to left Meito 明陶 with the Gifu mark above. This has the Gifu mark.

*I have seen a Gifu 161 with Yamaka Toki Kaisha

Examples of Tousei Toki from various sites

Flimart:

Gifu 396

Gifu 959

Gifu 964

Gifu 94

Seto made 180

Seto made 332


Rakuten:


Seto made 66

This mark indicates Seto Shinano area






Nearing the end of WWII, when metals were getting scarce, the Japanese Imperial Army resorted to using ceramic grenades. Pottery production was slowed during the war, only producing products under government control. They were recruited for the war effort to produce ceramic grenades. 

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