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I think Hirado eggschel porselain.Can someone tell me how old they are.I can not find this mark.The diameter is 15 cm. greethings wil

Your dishes bear the mark of "Made by Zoshuntei Sampo" (Zoshuntei Sampo Zo). The 1882 book of Japanese marks & seals by James Lord Bowes indicates Zoshuntei Sampo (variant "San Ho" used in the book) was being applied as a mark to Hizen (Arita) ceramics as early as 1820. That was well before 1841, when author Louis Lawrence, in his book "Hirado: Prince of Porcelains", says the mark was being used on polychrome wares made by a workshop operating at Mikawachi under the aegis of Arita merchant Hisatomi Yajibei (also spelled Yojibei). James Lord Bowes also refers to use of the mark on a blue & white (sometsuke) cup. I've seen some examples of Arita blue & white copies of Chinese mid-to-late 19th century wares in the "Auspicious Figures with Calligraphy" pattern. Perhaps your plates were a more purely Japanese reaction to the popularity of the Chinese pattern during the late Edo-early Meiji period.

I have a curious Japanese eggshell cup & saucer set in a floral & phoenix motif and with "Zoshuntei Sampo Zo" on the saucer and an apocryphal Chinese Qianlong four-character reign mark on the cup. For comparison, I've uploaded some pictures of the that set, along with a porcelain pot that I think was made to serve as a censer and probably originally had a bronze top sitting on its bronze collar. I believe both probably date to circa the 3rd quarter, 19th century.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Was there a related reply to the very colorful piece? I have one somewhat similar in paint style, that is unsigned. would like to just get pointed in the general direction of what it might be as a newbie to collecting (a few years) I have not seen a similar one although i am pretty familiar with japanese porcelains. appreciate any help. Hopefully I can find my way back to this post. Sharon

The mark reads 'Zoshuntei Sanpo zô' (made by Sanpo - Zoshun shop) - Arita exportware, mid 19th century.

See Gotheborg

Guy.

URL Title :Japanese porcelain marks

Hi, this is not Hirado, but Imari by Zoshuntei. The mark says "Zoshuntei sanpo zo". It dates to late Edo - early Meiji.
Regards, Mat

Thanks for all your comments.I started to collect japanese porcelain since one year now.But can better first buy a few good books i think.Bil thanks for your clear explanation.And also for the photos.Wil. hugers

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