Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
The base of a fine Japanese ceramic or porcelain vessel bearing an iron-red hand-painted mark for 'Dai Nippon Seizō / Shippō Kaisha' (Great Japan Made / Cloisonné Company). Founded in 1871, the Shippō Kaisha was a historic joint-stock enterprise established to produce and export high-quality Japanese enamel and decorated wares to the West.
Story
In 1871, Japanese artisans formed the Shippō Kaisha to showcase their traditional crafts to a fascinated Western market. The iron-red mark on this base directly anchors the vessel to Japan's Golden Age of decorative arts. Pieces bearing this explicit company mark are prized historical artifacts of the Meiji restoration era.
Maker / Origin
The Shippō Kaisha (Cloisonné Company) was formed in Nagoya in 1871 by pioneering artisans like Hayashi Yaogorō and Tsukamoto Kaisuke. Although famous for groundbreaking cloisonné enamels on copper and ceramic bodies, the company also produced and commissioned specialized porcelain and ceramic wares.
Condition & Value
The footrim shows light surface soil and minor expected wear consistent with age and handling. The hand-painted red inscription and surrounding glaze remain crisp and well-preserved. Excellent preservation of the base mark generally enhances collector interest.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.