Tells on Fake Nippon

Recent reproductions are being decorated with hand painted patterns very similar to several original patterns. The new decorations include raised gold and beaded enamel "jewel" trim.

Pattern detail from reproduction hatpin holder virtually identical to original pattern shown above.

Pattern detail from original creamer. Raised dots on gold background with pink roses

How do you tell if it's old?

Marks and patterns are no longer the reliable tests of age they once were. As fake marks become better and more original patterns are copied, buyers will need other ways to judge age and authenticity. Here are some of the ways to guard against buying reproduction Nippon.

1. Check the glaze. The high gloss glaze on most, but not all, new pieces is noticeably rougher and not as smooth as originals. Also inspect the insides of pieces. Many new pieces are not entirely glazed on the inside; originals, of course, are completely glazed.

2. Compare the thickness. Most new pieces are thicker than old, sometimes twice or more as thick.

3. Test the weight. New pieces are generally much heavier than old. This is due to not only their thicker construction but a difference in the raw materials.

4. Look at the gold trim. New gold is generally one of two types: A) a copper-colored gold that usually has lots of bumps and loose particles, or B), a brassy yellow gold with a highly reflective almost mirror-like finish. Original gold never has loose debris suspended in it and is virtually never highly reflective. If you see your reflection in the gold, it is almost certainly new.

5. Don't rely on one test. Never base your decision of age on one test alone. Use several cross checks. Most reproductions fail several tests once you begin to look.

Latest Fake Nippon Mark Identical to Old

A reproduction wholesaler is now selling ceramic items with a mark that is virtually identical to original marks found on ca. 1891-1921 Nippon wares. The mark is the so called green wreath mark shown in Fig. 2. The new mark, Fig. 1., is the same size and color as the original.

Although new wreath marks have been used since the 1970s most new marks have been fairly easy to detect. That is no longer true. For all practical purposes, there are no meaningful differences remaining between old and new wreath marks. Since marks can no longer be used as a reliable indicator of age, buyers must use other clues. One of these is pattern.

. New wreath mark

Old wreath mark

Its getting downright pothetic that these forgers just dont create good product and put thier own seal on it. But they cut corners make inferior products but to a novic they think they found a sleeper or just good deal. Any way all or part of this info was supplied by the best advisor on Nippon

M in Wreath”, M stands for Morimura Bros. (importers).  Mark used since 1911.  Found in green (shown), blue, magenta, and gold colors.  Van Patten’s #47

Maple Leaf Nippon”, dates back to 1891.  Found in green, blue (shown) & magenta.  Van Patten’s #52.  This mark should be 1/4″ high.  Known fake Maple Leaf backstamps are 1/2″ high.

ndecorated) for export.  Dates from 1911.  Found in green, blue (shown), and magenta.  Note that this mark has the artist’s signature underneath.  Van Patten’s #68.

We get a lot of questions about Nippon backstamps and dates of manufacture. Unfortunately, we are not experts, but we always turn to a wonderful book by someone who is for our information.  Joan Van Patten has written many books on collecting antique Nippon porcelain, and she has compiled known dates for certain backstamps. We are sharing a small list here (with pictures) of the ones we have come across in our Nippon journeys.  We hope this helps those out there looking for this information quickly.

We cannot stress enough that this is NOT a complete list.  You will need to pick up one of Joan Van Patten’s books in order to get all the information you need.  If you know any dates for a backstamp not shown here, feel free to leave the information in the comments. Information about each mark is below the picture. ( To BE CONTINUED )