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Preliminary identification

Nagoya Shokai 'Nippon' Porcelain Gravy Boat, c. 1910

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

A delicate porcelain gravy boat with an integrated underplate, featuring a neoclassical laurel border and hand-painted floral swags.

Story

The word 'Nippon' on the base is a historical time stamp, dating this piece specifically between 1891 and 1921. During this window, the McKinley Tariff Act required all imports to the U.S. to be marked with their country of origin in English, and 'Nippon' was the Japanese word for Japan.

Maker / Origin

The 'NS' crown mark belongs to Nagoya Shokai, a prominent export company based in Nagoya, the heart of Japan's ceramic industry.

Condition & Value

The porcelain appears bright with no visible cracks or major chips. There is some expected 'shelf wear' on the bottom foot and minor thinning of the gold gilt on the rim, which is typical for a piece over 100 years old. Excellent preservation of the floral transfers.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

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.

Value Drivers

  • ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
  • ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD