Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
A set of four elegant, all-white bone china bowls featuring a gentle, scalloped rim and a classic paneled design. This is Mikasa's highly popular 'Antique White' pattern, celebrated for combining the delicate translucency of fine bone china with everyday durability.
Story
Introduced in 1999, this design revolutionized casual dining by proving fine bone china didn't need to be saved for holidays. Its shape mimics antique French country pottery but is engineered for the modern microwave and dishwasher.
Maker / Origin
Mikasa was founded in California in 1948 as 'American Commercial Inc.' by George Aratani, initially importing Japanese dinnerware. Renamed Mikasa in the 1970s, the brand became a household name by bridging the gap between formal luxury and practical, contemporary American lifestyle design.
Condition & Value
The photos show a stack of four bowls. One bowl has a small dark mark or scuff on the outer rim that may or may not wash off; otherwise, the glaze appears bright with no major chips or cracks visible. Minor surface scuffs reduce the set's value by about 20%.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
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.