Lena Rivera
The term Nippon refers to Japanese porcelain that was exported to the West, specifically the United States, from 1891 to 1921. The practice of marking porcelain as Nippon began in response to the U.S. McKinley Tariff Act of 1891, which required that all imported items be plainly marked, stamped, branded, or labelled in legible English words. The word Nippon is derived from the Japanese word for Japan and translates to raising sun. In 1921, the United States government changed its policy, requiring that Japanese imports be marked as Japan or Made in Japan instead of Nippon. Thus, hand-painted Nippon became known as hand-painted Japan after 1921.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of transition from "Nippon" to "Japan" | 1921 |
| Reason for transition | "Nippon" was no longer accepted by US Customs Agents as the correct name of origin |
| Country of origin | Japan |
| Items marked "Nippon" | Porcelain items such as vases, teapots, wall plaques, and humidors |
| Target market of "Nippon" items | The United States |
| Features of "Nippon" items | Hand-painted, elaborate designs with flowers, images of animals, and ornamental designs |
| Techniques used | Over glaze enamels, coralene (glass bead surface), moriage (application of strings of clay) |
| Date range of items marked "Nippon" | 1891–1921 |
| Date range of items marked "Japan" or "Made in Japan" | After 1921 |
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What You'll Learn
The McKinley Tariff Act of 1891
The word "Nippon" is the English spelling of the Japanese pronunciation of Japan, which translates to "raising sun". The marking of porcelain with "Nippon" signified that the item was "made in Japan". This practice continued until 1921 when US Customs Agents no longer accepted "Nippon" as the correct name of origin, and instead required that Japanese imports be marked with "Japan" or "Made in Japan".
The McKinley Tariff Act of 1890 was an act of the United States Congress framed by then-Representative William McKinley, that became law on October 1, 1890. The tariff raised the average duty on imports to almost 50%, an increase designed to protect domestic industries and workers from foreign competition. It was a highly debated topic in the 1890 congressional elections, which saw a Democratic landslide. The Democrats subsequently replaced the McKinley Tariff with the Wilson-Gorman Tariff Act in 1894, lowering the tariff rates.
The Act of 1890 was designed to appeal to farmers, with some agricultural products being added to the protected list. It removed tariffs on sugar, molasses, tea, coffee, and hides. It also included provisions for tin-plates, with the duty level being raised from 30% to 70% to stimulate the domestic tin-plate industry. The McKinley Tariff Act represented protectionism, a policy supported by Republicans and denounced by Democrats.
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Hand-painted Nippon porcelain was exported to the West
The designs and patterns of Nippon porcelain were tailored to suit American tastes and were less expensive than European porcelain, making them very popular in the United States. Nippon porcelain was decorated with flowers, images of animals, and ornamental designs such as coralene and moriage ware. These techniques involved the application of clear glass beads and strings of clay to the surface of the porcelain, creating a highly textured and decorative finish. Another decorating technique involved applying pieces of textile to the wet porcelain before firing, leaving a patterned impression on the surface after the textile burned away.
The era of "Nippon" marking ended in 1921 when the United States government required that Japanese imports be marked with the word "Japan" instead of "Nippon". This change was due to the fact that "Nippon" was no longer accepted by U.S. Customs Agents as the correct name of origin for imported goods from Japan. Despite this, some Japanese companies continued to use the word "Nippon" on their ceramics after 1921, either as part of their company name or because they were unaware of the change in regulations.
Today, porcelain marked with "Nippon" is highly sought after by collectors, often commanding higher prices than similar pieces marked with "Japan". The "Nippon" mark has also been forged or faked on newer porcelain pieces due to its popularity and collectability. Identifying authentic "Nippon" pottery marks can be challenging, as Japanese ceramic artists were trained to imitate the styles of popular European ceramic companies.
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The word Nippon translates to Japan
The word Nippon is derived from the Japanese word 'Nihon', which means Japan. Nippon is the English spelling of a pronunciation of what Japan is called by the Japanese. The word Nippon is also used interchangeably with Nihon in Japan, with the latter being more common in casual conversation, while the former is used in formal settings or patriotic contexts.
The Japanese names for Japan are Nihon and Nippon, and both terms are written in Japanese using the kanji characters "日本". The first character, "日", is pronounced "ni" and means ""sun" or "day". The second character, "本", means "origin" or "root". Thus, Japan is often referred to as the "Land of the Rising Sun".
The use of the word Nippon to refer to Japan can be traced back to the 7th century. The Old Book of Tang, one of the Twenty-Four Histories, stated that the Japanese envoy disliked the country's name, Woguo (Chinese), and changed it to Nippon, or "Origin of the Sun". Another 8th-century chronicle, the True Meaning of Shiji, states that the first female Chinese Emperor, Wu Zetian, ordered a Japanese envoy to change the country's name to Nippon.
In the context of porcelain and ceramics, the designation "Nippon porcelain" refers specifically to porcelain made in Japan for export to the West and stamped with the word Nippon on their bases. This practice began in 1891 in response to the US McKinley Tariff Act, which required that all imported items be "plainly marked, stamped, branded, or labelled in legible English words". From 1921 onwards, US Customs Agents no longer accepted "Nippon" as the correct name of origin for imported Japanese goods, and they were required to be marked with "Japan" or "Made in Japan".
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The end of the Nippon era in 1921
During the Nippon era, Japanese porcelain exporters thrived by catering to American tastes and preferences. The ornate and elaborate designs of Nippon porcelain, created using techniques like moriage and coralene, appealed to American collectors who were captivated by the fusion of painted colours, glass beads, and textured ornaments. These decorative styles set Nippon porcelain apart from traditional Japanese designs found on Kutani ware china and other Asian ceramics.
However, in 1921, the United States government changed its policy regarding the marking of Japanese imports. Customs officials decided that any piece imported from Japan should be marked "Japan" instead of "Nippon." This decision marked the end of the Nippon era and signified a shift in import regulations and cultural perceptions.
The change in marking protocol had a significant impact on the perception and value of Japanese porcelain in the American market. The word "Nippon" itself carries a historical and cultural significance, representing the English approximation of the Japanese word for their country. By requiring the use of "Japan" instead, the US government was enforcing a more standardised and Western-centric labelling practice.
The end of the Nippon era also created new challenges and opportunities in the porcelain industry. The change in marking protocol led to an increased interest in forging or faking the popular "Nippon" mark on newer porcelain pieces. This made it more difficult to identify authentic Nippon porcelain and highlighted the evolving nature of the industry, where makers of Nippon porcelain had already started shifting towards mass production to meet the growing market demand.
In conclusion, the end of the Nippon era in 1921 was a pivotal moment that reshaped the landscape of Japanese porcelain exports to the West. The transition from "Nippon" to "Japan" marking not only reflected changing policies and regulations but also symbolised the evolving cultural dynamics between Japan and the United States. The legacy of the Nippon era continues to influence the perception and value of Japanese porcelain in the global market, with collectors and enthusiasts cherishing the unique styles and craftsmanship of this distinctive era in Japanese artistic history.
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The appeal of hand-painted Nippon porcelain to American tastes
The appeal of Nippon porcelain to American tastes can be attributed to several factors that made it uniquely desirable to collectors in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Firstly, the intricate and elaborate designs of Nippon porcelain stood out in the market. These pieces were hand-painted with decorative motifs such as flowers and animals, and enhanced with techniques like coralene and moriage ware. Coralene, for instance, involved the application of clear glass beads that were melted during the firing process, resulting in a unique fusion with the porcelain body. Moriage ware, on the other hand, entailed applying strings of clay atop the porcelain in a manner reminiscent of icing on a cake, creating a highly textured surface. These intricate decorative techniques were time-consuming and added to the perceived value of the pieces.
Secondly, Nippon porcelain filled a gap in the market by offering a less expensive alternative to European porcelain. During this period, Japan had a thriving porcelain industry that utilised methods from Europe and the United States. The relatively lower cost of Nippon pieces, coupled with their availability in various retail outlets, including gift shops, dime stores, fairs, and even grocery stores, made them accessible and appealing to a wide range of American consumers.
Additionally, Nippon porcelain resonated with American collectors due to its distinct aesthetic, which deviated from characteristic Japanese designs found on traditional Asian ceramics, such as Kutani ware china. Instead, Nippon pieces emulated the styles of renowned European porcelain producers such as Limoges, Belleek, and R.S. Prussia. This fusion of Eastern and Western influences created a unique blend that captivated American collectors, who were drawn to the combination of elaborate craftsmanship and cultural fusion that defined Nippon porcelain.
The appeal of Nippon porcelain to American tastes also extended beyond the visual realm. The pieces were not just decorative but also functional, finding their way into various aspects of American life. Nippon items were sold by major retailers such as Montgomery Ward and Sears & Roebuck, as well as department stores, further increasing their reach and popularity. The accessibility and versatility of Nippon porcelain, combined with its aesthetic appeal, solidified its place in the American market during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Lastly, the appeal of Nippon porcelain was also tied to the notion of authenticity and origin. The McKinley Tariff Act of 1891 required all imported porcelain to be "plainly marked, stamped, branded, or labelled in legible English words." The subsequent marking of porcelain from Japan with the word "Nippon" served as a clear indication of its country of origin, complying with the new regulations. This transparency regarding the provenance of Nippon porcelain likely contributed to its appeal among American collectors, who could now confidently acquire pieces with clear and verifiable origins.
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Frequently asked questions
In 1921, the United States government required that imported Japanese porcelain be marked "Japan" instead of "Nippon".
The word "Nippon" is the Japanese name for Japan. In 1921, the US government decided that "Nippon" was no longer an accepted name of origin for imported Japanese goods.
The McKinley Tariff Act required that all imported porcelain be plainly marked, stamped, branded, or labelled in legible English words. This led to Japanese porcelain being marked with "Nippon", which translates to Japan in English.
Nippon porcelain was often ornately decorated with flowers, images of animals, and ornamental designs like coralene and moriage ware. These designs appealed to American tastes and were exported mainly to the United States.
