How can I tell if my bronze is antique?

One way to tell if your bronze is antique is to study its color. As it ages, bronze develops a natural patina, darkening in color. As a result, shiny, light-colored pieces are unlikely to be antiques. Another approach is to research the maker using trusted online resources to find out when they produced bronzes similar to yours. For assistance with the dating process, seek the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Explore a selection of bronze sculptures on 1stDibs.

What is antique bronze finish?

The metallic finish known as antique bronze boasts a profound, dark chocolate finish that nearly approaches black. The antique bronze color is primarily a color from the brown color family.

How can I tell if my Japanese pottery is antique?

To tell if your Japanese pottery is antique, look for markings, which usually appear on the bottoms of pieces. If you see the word "Nippon," your piece was likely produced between 1891 and 1921, making it an antique. Pieces marked with the words "made in occupied Japan" originated between 1945 and 1952 and are vintage, based on their age. A "made in Japan" marking may indicate a vintage or contemporary piece. If you don't see any of these markings, consult trusted online resources to get a rough idea of when your pottery was produced. Any piece that dates back 100 years or more is antique. Should you encounter difficulty with the dating process, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Japanese pottery.

Antique Japanese Bronze

Japanese Vases With Gold

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Okimono - Bronze sculpture of a puppy, by Munechika, Japan Meiji Era

$3,441

Japanese Art Nouveau Cold Painted Bronze Crane with Mums and Lilly Pad Flower

Located in Stamford, CT

Japanese Art Nouveau cold painted bronze crane standing on lily pad base With Large Mums. Please

Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Art Nouveau Cold Painted Bronze Crane with Mums and Lilly Pad Flower

$8,600

Japanese Meiji Bronze Sculpture of a Heron on a Wooden Stand

Located in Hamburg, DE

Japanese Meiji Bronze Sculpture of a Heron on a Wooden Stand. Heron has beautiful Details. Heron

Category

1890s Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Meiji Bronze Sculpture of a Heron on a Wooden Stand

$3,441

Meiji Bronze Figurine of a Reclining Japanese Lady

Located in London, GB

A Meiji bronze figurine of a reclining Japanese lady, her left hand on her left thigh with

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Meiji Bronze Figurine of a Reclining Japanese Lady

$10,954

Exceptional Japanese Meiji Bronze Wave Usubata Ikebana Vase

Located in Papaikou, HI

Besides having a wonderful wave pattern to the base, this piece also has a beautiful reddish brown mottled patina and a drip pattern in the casting of the main vessel. Everything abo...

Category

1920s Japanese Japonisme Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Exceptional Japanese Meiji Bronze Wave Usubata Ikebana Vase

$1,400

19th Century Bronze and Japanese Satsuma Porcelain Table Lamp

By Satsuma

Located in Fairfax, VA

Very fine detail painting, 19th century Japanese Satsuma porcelain with French bronze base and

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Bronze and Japanese Satsuma Porcelain Table Lamp

$1,950

Tetsubin Iron Bronze Brown Water Kettle Japan Meiji Dragonfly Motif

Located in Monterey, CA

This Japanese Tetsubin has a signed Lid, Dragonfly Motif with Bronze Lid and Hollow Fukurobari

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Tetsubin Iron Bronze Brown Water Kettle Japan Meiji Dragonfly Motif

$2,510

Large 19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Cast and Engraved Cencer

Located in GB

An impressive bronze Meiji period cencer which is made in two parts. The cover has a large standing

Category

Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Large 19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Cast and Engraved Cencer

$2,090

Figure of Large Standing Kirin Incensor Japan Meiji Bronze Animal Sculpture

Located in Monterey, CA

This large bronze figure of a standing Kirin Incensor is from Japan during the Meiji period, circa

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Figure of Large Standing Kirin Incensor Japan Meiji Bronze Animal Sculpture

$8,900

Bronze Usubata Hokusai Waves Candleholder Dish Decor Flower Vase Japan Meiji

Located in Monterey, CA

This bronze Japanese Usubata depicts the splashing Hokusai waves. It is from the Meiji period

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Usubata Hokusai Waves Candleholder Dish Decor Flower Vase Japan Meiji

$1,399

20th Century Great Goddess in Bronze, Japan, circa 1920

Located in Paris, FR

20th century great goddess in bronze Japan 20th century, circa 1920.

Category

1920s Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

20th Century Great Goddess in Bronze, Japan, circa 1920

$34,118

Japanese Heron Floor Lamp in Bronze with Slag Glass Shade

Located in Salt Lake City, UT

In the best tradition of Japanese depictions of nature in art, this large floor lamp depicts a

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Heron Floor Lamp in Bronze with Slag Glass Shade

$9,250

Fine Japanese Woven Bronze Lamp with Dragon Fly Design

Located in Santa Rosa, CA

Fine bronze in the form of a woven vessel with applied dragon flies on the top sides and later made

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Fine Japanese Woven Bronze Lamp with Dragon Fly Design

$1,800

Mej Periode Bronze Vase, Cloisonne enamel decor; Japan late 19th century

Located in Basel, BS

Bronze vase Japan Mejji period (1868-1912), cloisonne enamel, height: 31 cm, diameter: 11 cm.

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Mej Periode Bronze Vase, Cloisonne enamel decor; Japan late 19th century

$314

Pair of Bronze and Cloisonné Vases, Japan Champlevé, 19th Century

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Pair of bronze and cloisonné vases, Japan champlevé, 19th century, with stylized dragon handles

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Bronze and Cloisonné Vases, Japan Champlevé, 19th Century

$2,373 / set

Pair of Japanese Kakiemon Vases, circa 1710 with French Gilt Bronze Mounts

Located in Paris, FR

A pair of Japanese Kakiemon vases, circa 1710, redecorated in Holland with monkeys circa 1730, with

Category

Early 1700s Japanese Edo Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Japanese Kakiemon Vases, circa 1710 with French Gilt Bronze Mounts

$16,020 / set

Mid-Late 19th Century, Japanese Cloisonné Bronze Censor

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

In the form of a Peacock with the head of a cockerel. The back cover perforated to let escape the incense that would have been burnt inside the cavity. The tail and wings are the mos...

Category

1880s Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Mid-Late 19th Century, Japanese Cloisonné Bronze Censor

$3,861

Pair of Large 19th Century Japanese Meiji Bronze Elephant Incense Burners

Located in Suffolk, GB

A large superbly fine pair of late 19th century Japanese Meiji bronze elephant incense burners or

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Large 19th Century Japanese Meiji Bronze Elephant Incense Burners

$11,707 / set

Very Nice, Elegant Patinated Bronze of the Japanese Geisha, circa 1890

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

A very nice, elegant patinated bronze of the Japanese Geisha playing the drum in traditional outfit

Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Very Nice, Elegant Patinated Bronze of the Japanese Geisha, circa 1890

$5,696 / set

Japanese Meiji Period "Koi" Fish Bronze sculpture and vase c.1900

Located in New York, NY

MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912) Japan Koi fish sculpture and vase c. 1900 Cast bronze

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Meiji Period "Koi" Fish Bronze sculpture and vase c.1900

$2,900

Bronze Sculpture "Japanese Dancer I" by Bernhard Hoetger

By Bernhard Hoetger

Located in Berlin, DE

Bronze with brown patina, 1923 by Bernhard Hoetger ( 1874-1949 ), Germany. Signed and numbered

Category

1920s Expressionist Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Bernhard Hoetger
Bronze Sculpture "Japanese Dancer I" by Bernhard Hoetger, 1923

$3,797

Japanese Taishō Period Bronze Champlevé Urn with Buddha Figure Lid, c. 1915

Located in San Francisco, CA

A circa 1915 antique Japanese Taishō period larger-size bronze champlevé urn or vessel with buddha

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Japanese Taishō Period Bronze Champlevé Urn with Buddha Figure Lid, c. 1915

$2,400

Rare and Beautiful Late 19th Century Japanese Signed Bronze Vase with Flowers

Located in New york, NY

Rare and beautiful late 19th century Japanese signed bronze vase with lotus flowers and original

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Rare and Beautiful Late 19th Century Japanese Signed Bronze Vase with Flowers

$1,800

Pair of Large, Dark Patinated Bronze Japanese Vases, Previously Lamps

Located in Woodbury, CT

Well cast bronze vases, that have been converted to table lamps in the past. All mountings for

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Large, Dark Patinated Bronze Japanese Vases, Previously Lamps

$4,900 / set

Japanese Taishō Period Bronze Champlevé Censer with Komainu Figure Lid, c. 1915

Located in San Francisco, CA

A circa 1915 antique Japanese Taishō period tall bronze champlevé censer with komainu figure lid

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Japanese Taishō Period Bronze Champlevé Censer with Komainu Figure Lid, c. 1915

$2,100

Tetsubin Iron Bronze Brown Water Kettle Japan Meiji Ruyundo Ihada Texture Signed

Located in Monterey, CA

This Japanese Tetsubin has a signed Body, Ihada Texture with Bronze Lid and Solid Moku-Tsuru Handle

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Tetsubin Iron Bronze Brown Water Kettle Japan Meiji Ruyundo Ihada Texture Signed

$1,990

Tetsubin Iron Bronze Brown Kettle Japan Meiji Floral Flower Motif Bas-Relief

Located in Monterey, CA

This Japanese Tetsubin has a Floral Motif in Bas-Relief with Bronze Lid and Hollow Fukurobari Iron

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Tetsubin Iron Bronze Brown Kettle Japan Meiji Floral Flower Motif Bas-Relief

$1,985

Tetsubin Iron Bronze Brown Kettle Japan Meiji Wood Grain Pattern Solid Handle

Located in Monterey, CA

This Japanese Tetsubin has a wood Grain Pattern with Iron Lid and Solid Moku-Tsuru Iron Handle. The

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Tetsubin Iron Bronze Brown Kettle Japan Meiji Wood Grain Pattern Solid Handle

$2,510

Tetsubin Iron Bronze Brown Water Kettle Japan Meiji Ruyundo Ihada Texture Signed

Located in Monterey, CA

This Japanese Tetsubin has a signed Lid, Ruybundo, Ihada Texture with Iron Lid and Hollow

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Tetsubin Iron Bronze Brown Water Kettle Japan Meiji Ruyundo Ihada Texture Signed

$2,565

19th Century Japanese Kutani Porcelaine and Gilt Bronze Important Vase

Located in BRUXELLES, BE

Japanese Porcelaine, Kutani Important Kutani porcelaine vase ,the green yellow and brown ground

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Japanese Kutani Porcelaine and Gilt Bronze Important Vase

$3,500

Patinated Bronze Statue Representing a Peasant Girl Holding a Basket Japan, 1900

Located in Brussels, BE

Patinated bronze statue representing a young peasant girl holding a basket. Japan, early 20th

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Patinated Bronze Statue Representing a Peasant Girl Holding a Basket Japan, 1900

$1,056

Late 19th Century Large Japanese Meiji Bronze of Tigers Attacking an Elephant

Located in Salt Lake City, UT

A Japanese wood and bronze elephant and tiger sculpture from the late Meiji period (1868-1912), the

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Late 19th Century Large Japanese Meiji Bronze of Tigers Attacking an Elephant

$5,250

Pair of Japanese Vases 19th Century Bronze with Flamingo Decor Meiji Period

Located in Nürnberg, Bavaria

Pair of Japanese vases 19th century bronze with flamingo decor Meiji period. Pair of Japanese 19th

Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Japanese Vases 19th Century Bronze with Flamingo Decor Meiji Period

$1,661 / set

A Large Japanese Green and Brown Patinated Bronze Shell Dish (Bowl)

Located in New York, NY

An extraordinary and substantially cast of a rarely seen shell center piece. Of scallop form raised on three nautilus shell feet.

Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

A Large Japanese Green and Brown Patinated Bronze Shell Dish (Bowl)

$6,900

Boin-Taburet French Bronze Box Japanese Lacquer 19th Century

By Boin-Taburet

Located in Houston, TX

Antique French bronze box with early Japanese lacquer top depicting a seaside village. The

Category

19th Century French Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Boin-Taburet French Bronze Box Japanese Lacquer 19th Century

$3,695

18th Century Important Pair of Japanese Chiseled Bronze Bases

Located in Milan, IT

18th century important Japanese pair of chiseled bronze bases for vases with three toed Dragon and

Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

18th Century Important Pair of Japanese Chiseled Bronze Bases

$9,493 / set

Japan Meiji Period Bronze Pair of Birds Sitting on a Branch, Incense Burner

Located in Hamburg, DE

unusual Pair of incense Burner Meiji Japan, 1868-1911 The birds are in three pieces (see

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Japan Meiji Period Bronze Pair of Birds Sitting on a Branch, Incense Burner

$3,560 / set

Large Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Vase of Fine Quality

Located in Suffolk, GB

A large late 19th century Japanese Meiji period bronze vase of fine quality. This bronze vase

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Large Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Vase of Fine Quality

$4,655

Two Bronze-Mounted Japanese Porcelain Imari Bowls with Bronze Birds

Located in Firenze, IT

An amazing pair of bronze-mounted Imari bowls. Hand painted Japanese Imari Porcelain mounted on a

Category

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Ormolu

Two Bronze-Mounted Japanese Porcelain Imari Bowls with Bronze Birds

$2,373 / set

Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Mixed Metal Inlay Rooster Vases

Located in Pasadena, CA

Pair Japanese Meiji period bronze mixed metal inlay rooster vases. Bronze base with silver, gold

Category

1880s Asian Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Mixed Metal Inlay Rooster Vases

$1,625

Buddha - A very large bronze figure of Sho Kannon. Japan, Meiji period 1868-1912

By Artisan-Craftsmen, Inc.

Located in TOULON, FR

Standing on a double lotus above an octagonal pedestal, holding a lotus bud and leaf in the left hand, the right hand hangs down in varadamudra, the shawl covers the shoulders and cr...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Buddha - A very large bronze figure of Sho Kannon. Japan, Meiji period 1868-1912

$213,610

17/18th Century Japanese Imari Vase with 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounts

Located in Woodbury, CT

A baluster shaped 17/18th c. Imari vase of large size with gilt bronze top and base. The 19th

Category

18th Century and Earlier French Louis XV Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

17/18th Century Japanese Imari Vase with 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounts

$36,000

Hanging Japanese Copper Lantern

Located in Seattle, WA

A massive Japanese hanging copper lantern with partial gilt leaf. The hexagonal lantern with

Category

18th Century and Earlier Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Hanging Japanese Copper Lantern

$18,000

Large Bronze Incense Burner, Japan Meji Period, Late 19th Century

Located in Heukelum, NL

Finely decorated and very large bronze incense burner. The base with a lion on top and two vases

Category

19th Century Chinese Arts and Crafts Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Large Bronze Incense Burner, Japan Meji Period, Late 19th Century

$1,542

Bronze Kettle

By Masaharu

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

This bronze kettle seems to have never been used. Signed "Masaharu" on the bottom.

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Kettle

$3,500

Bronze Hibachi

Located in Hudson, NY

19th Century Bronze hibachi on carved wood base.

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Hibachi

$2,500

Japanese Porcelain and Bronze Table Lamp with Ornate Vellum Leather Shade

Located in Antwerp, BE

An elegant Japanese porcelain vase topped with the original vellum (calf skin) stencil cut lamp

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Leather, Porcelain

Japanese Porcelain and Bronze Table Lamp with Ornate Vellum Leather Shade

$415

19th Century Japanese Vase

Located in Long Island City, NY

A late 19th century Japanese patinated bronze vase.

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Japanese Vase

$500

PAIR of Japanese Satsuma Vases

Located in Woodbury, CT

Meiji Period (1868-1912) from one of the finest Japanese makers for export to the European market

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

PAIR of Japanese Satsuma Vases

$2,400 / set

Pair of 19th Century Japanese Collapsible Candlestick Holders

Located in Seattle, WA

An unusual pair of collapsing bronze candlestick holders. As a means of meeting the demands of an

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th Century Japanese Collapsible Candlestick Holders

$3,200 / set

19th Century Japanese Cockerel and Chicken

Located in London, GB

A fine quality set of two Meiji period Japanese cockerel and chicken.

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Japanese Cockerel and Chicken

$2,259 / set

Meiji Bronze Monkey

Located in Paris, FR

Beautiful bronze sculpture with brown patina very finely chiseled, depicting a sitting monkey

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Meiji Bronze Monkey

$5,933

19th Century Japanese Imari Vases Mounted in Gilt Bronze

Located in Vancouver, BC

A fine and rare pair of mid to late 19thC signed Japanese Imari vases mounted with French gilded

Category

19th Century Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Japanese Imari Vases Mounted in Gilt Bronze

$22,000 / set

Bronze Edo Period Urns

Located in Seattle, WA

Pair- Japanese Edo Period Urns w/ Detachable Figures and Inscribed Poem "I purchased these

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Edo Period Urns

$1,760

Articulated Bronze Lobster

Located in Stamford, CT

Articulated bronze lobster by Myochin, circa 1880s. Please note of wear consistent with age

Category

1880s Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Articulated Bronze Lobster

$1,599

Japanese Iron Votive Candle Stand

Located in Seattle, WA

Japanese forged iron votive candle stand tomyodai. The tomyodai in the form of a hoju no tama, or

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Iron, Bronze

Japanese Iron Votive Candle Stand

$2,200

Antique Japanese Bamboo Kimono Storage Basket

Located in New York, NY

Large Japanese hinged hitsu (kimono storage coffer) woven of bamboo in the Chinese style with broad

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Bronze

Materials

Bronze

Antique Japanese Bamboo Kimono Storage Basket

$1,950

Asian Art and Furniture Under $1,000

Antique and Vintage Asian Art and Furniture

19th Century Asian Art and Furniture

Metal Asian Art and Furniture

Asian Asian Art and Furniture

Asian Art and Furniture on Sale

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Antique Japanese Bronze For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more in our collection of antique Japanese bronze on 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, bronze and wood, every piece of antique Japanese bronze was constructed with great care. Whether you’re looking for newer or older items, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. An item from our selection of antique Japanese bronze is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Art Nouveau, Louis XV and Art Deco styles are sought with frequency. A well-made choice in our collection of antique Japanese bronze has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Eisuke Miyao, Satsuma and Awaji Pottery are consistently popular.

How Much is a Antique Japanese Bronze?

Prices for a piece of antique Japanese bronze start at $73 and top out at $375,000 with the average selling for $2,500.

Questions About Antique Japanese Bronze

How can I tell if my bronze is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
One way to tell if your bronze is antique is to study its color. As it ages, bronze develops a natural patina, darkening in color. As a result, shiny, light-colored pieces are unlikely to be antiques. Another approach is to research the maker using trusted online resources to find out when they produced bronzes similar to yours. For assistance with the dating process, seek the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Explore a selection of bronze sculptures on 1stDibs.
What is antique bronze finish?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
The metallic finish known as antique bronze boasts a profound, dark chocolate finish that nearly approaches black. The antique bronze color is primarily a color from the brown color family.
How can I tell if my Japanese pottery is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
To tell if your Japanese pottery is antique, look for markings, which usually appear on the bottoms of pieces. If you see the word "Nippon," your piece was likely produced between 1891 and 1921, making it an antique. Pieces marked with the words "made in occupied Japan" originated between 1945 and 1952 and are vintage, based on their age. A "made in Japan" marking may indicate a vintage or contemporary piece. If you don't see any of these markings, consult trusted online resources to get a rough idea of when your pottery was produced. Any piece that dates back 100 years or more is antique. Should you encounter difficulty with the dating process, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Japanese pottery.