Pottery Mark "H" inside a flower - "Hand painted Japan"

by Debbie
(Leesburg, FL)

Pottery Mark "H" inside a flower - "Hand painted Japan":- I have a figurine of a harlequin Great Dane with a red collar. On the bottom is a stamp that is the letter “H” inside the center of a flower. The stamp is red. It states around the outside of the stamp, “HAND PAINTED JAPAN”. There is lettering on the dog’s back as well, but some of it is missing and it is not legible.

How can I locate information on this piece? I’ve had it for some time.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Deb

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Peter (admin) says about:- Pottery Mark "H" inside a flower - "Hand painted Japan"

Hi Deb

Pottery Mark "H", "Hand painted Japan", Tentative date: 1920-40. Mark attributable the Hotta Yu Shoten & Co. Pottery in operation from 1920 to 1947. The logo is in fact a depiction of cherry blossom.

The shop selling the wares was the Hotta Yu Co. The use of the word "Shoten" means "shop which sells wares fired from its own kilns". The pottery mark is likely to be from the 1920-30's. The use of NIPPON was generally discontinued after 1921.

If the backstamp were to say "Hand Painted, Made in Occupied Japan", the date would be 1945-52.

This firm made an array of tableware and kitchen ware, as well as very cute animals. Just about every design I have seen from this company is a peach. Very nice design values, yet I suspect the wares were not expensive at the time and were possibly considered 'cheap' mass production even though they flagged up 'hand painted'.

Fact is, all ceramic of this type would be hand-painted unless it calls for transfer printing on certain bits.

They certainly are not generally expensive to purchase now and I have seen wares ranging from $10 to $200.

If I were to be starting a collection, this might be where I would start. Nearly antiques, very nice design and sculptural values, a little piece of world history, and cheap as chips.

Hope this helps.

Peter (admin)