Elegant Rose by Empress China of Japan. Pattern 175

Elegant Rose by Empress China of Japan

I am a newbie to vintage sales and currently setting up my shop, VintageByMomma, on Etsy. I've jumped onto the "Minimalist" movement and have many totes of inherited treasures to list, beginning with Six(6) - 5piece sets of Pattern #175 by Empress China. I would love to challenge you to help value the entire set with me. In addition to the settings, I am offering the Serving Platter and Bowl, Lidded Sugar Bowl and Creamer, & Salt and Pepper Shakers.

Your site is one of teamwork which is appealing to me. This is the first time asking for your assistance, however, I have a feeling that it won't be my last. Thank you in advance for any leads you may have for me.

Momma Maria

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About Empress China and Charles Sadek Importers
by: Peter (admin)

Hi Maria

Hello and welcome. I am glad you are enjoying the site and thanks for your contribution. Good luck with your business.

Over the past 10 years, I have gradually learned more about this brand label of Empress China Japan and the Sadek Import Company, and below is my summary of updated information:

The importers of Empress China Japan were a New York firm of Japanese importers called Charles Sadek Company. Some sources say they began importing this brand as early as the 1920's, but the most commonly quoted start date for the company is 1936.

Charles's son, Norman Sadek, is known to have founded his own branch of the family business in 1936 calling it Andrea by Sadek, and this may be where the confusion lies. Norman passed away in 2010 at the age of 92, and the Sadek company was sold to Fitz and Floyd Enterprises in 2015 according to Bloombergs (see: https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=317327372).

According to Kovels' Book: the earliest the word 'Japan' has been seen on any item is 1921, so this is the earliest the items could be.

From 1945-1952 Japan exports should read 'Made in Occupied Japan'. I believe that was the rule for imports to all countries.

After 1952, it may well be that the post war branding would have changed from Empress, as the market was changing fast during that period and Norman was leading the company into a new era - which turned out to be a long and reasonably successful reign.

So if I were to hazzard a guess, I would say your items were from the 1921 - 1945 era rather than the second half of the 20th century.

Value: An Empress China Japan set recently fetched around $80 USD on eBay for a 70-80 piece tableware setting for 9 - although the asking price (the buy-it-now price) can often be at least double that for this type of set.

Best regards

Peter (admin)

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