Overview
This is a substantial ceramic soup tureen featuring the 'Shangri-La' pattern, characterized by its elegant basketweave relief and vibrant Chinoiserie-inspired bird and floral motifs.
Preliminary identification
Mikasa 'Shangri-La' Fine Ivory Tureen, Pattern D1001
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
The 1970s and 80s saw a revolution in the American dining room as families moved away from fragile, formal bone china toward 'lifestyle' ceramics that could handle the heat of a modern kitchen.
Maker / Origin
Mikasa was founded in 1948 as a trade company and quickly became a titan of the American tabletop industry by sourcing high-quality manufacturing from Japan.
Condition & Value
The photos show the piece in excellent condition with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing. The colors remain vibrant and the 'oven to table' markings on the bottom are crisp. Excellent condition is vital for functional ceramics, as any damage would compromise its use for food service.
Full Research
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
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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 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD