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 Urns

19th Century Japanese Imari Vase

Japanese Bronze Vase With Handles

Imari Urn

Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Bird

Category

16th Century Japanese Arts and Crafts Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Pottery

Japanese Antique Pottery "Shigaraki" Large Jar 16th Century / Old Wabi-Sabi Vase

$2,000

Large Antique Meiji Period Imari Porcelain Lidded Jars Urns

Located in Tarry Town, NY

timeless craftsmanship and elegance of Japanese artistry.

Category

1880s Japanese Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Porcelain

Large Antique Meiji Period Imari Porcelain Lidded Jars Urns

$3,900 / set

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Vase, circa 1890

Located in Dallas, TX

Direct from the Richard (Dick) Bass personal collection in Fort Worth TX. The Oil Billionaire and Mountaineer adventurer; First man ever complete the Seven Summits of the world. A s...

Category

1880s Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Bronze

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Vase, circa 1890

$700

Antique Japanese Enameled Porcelain Ginger Jar, Circa 1920

Located in Big Flats, NY

An antique Japanese ginger jar or covered urn offers enameled Moorish design with reserve having

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Moorish Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Japanese Enameled Porcelain Ginger Jar, Circa 1920

$550

Pair of Early 19th c. Chestnut Urns with Chinoiserie Decoration from Holland

Located in Austin, TX

A fine pair of chestnut urns of japanned pewter with chinoiserie garden scenes from early 19th

Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Metal, Pewter

Pair of Early 19th c. Chestnut Urns with Chinoiserie Decoration from Holland

$4,950 / set

Japanese Green and White Porcelain Vase with Dragon Handles

Located in Norwood, NJ

Japanese green and white Porcelain vase with dragon handles, 19th century. Hand painted ceramic

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Green and White Porcelain Vase with Dragon Handles

$1,675

19th Century Japanese Green Glazed Ceramic Storage Jar, Large Scale

Located in Stamford, CT

Large scale Japanese ceramic storage jar with beautiful green drip glaze. It takes real skill to

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century Japanese Green Glazed Ceramic Storage Jar, Large Scale

$3,850

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Chiselled Gilt Bronze Vase

Located in Marbella, ES

Late 19th century Japanese Meiji period chiselled gilt bronze vase.

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Bronze

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Chiselled Gilt Bronze Vase

$1,780

Spode Porcelain 967 Pattern Porcelain Large Chinoiserie Urn

By Spode

Located in Downingtown, PA

Spode Porcelain 967 Pattern Porcelain Large Chinoiserie Urn, Regency Period, Circa 1807-15. This

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Porcelain

Spode Porcelain 967 Pattern Porcelain Large Chinoiserie Urn

$12,500

Japanese Antique Vase "Bizen Pottery", 13th-14th Century / Wabi-Sabi Vase

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

We have an aesthetic sense peculiar to Japanese people. And we introduce the unique items that

Category

15th Century and Earlier Japanese Other Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Pottery

Japanese Antique Vase "Bizen Pottery", 13th-14th Century / Wabi-Sabi Vase

$2,000

Japanese Satsuma Lidded Koro Artist Signed with Dragons and Faces Very Detailed

Located in Ann Arbor, MI

Japanese Satsuma Lidded Koro Artist Signed With Dragons and faces very detailed Meiji Era Vessel

Category

Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Pottery

Japanese Satsuma Lidded Koro Artist Signed with Dragons and Faces Very Detailed

$2,800

Echizen Ware Edo Period Jar Tsubo Vase Pottery Japanese Wabi Sabi Ash Glaze

Located in Wilton, CT

Antique Edo period Echizen kilns tsubo jar, circa 17th/18th century. Coil built with reddish iron oxide clay and buff colored ash glaze. Large Echizen jars were famous in their time ...

Category

18th Century Japanese Edo Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Stoneware

Echizen Ware Edo Period Jar Tsubo Vase Pottery Japanese Wabi Sabi Ash Glaze

$1,400

Antique Japanese Imari Porcelain Vase, c.1870

Located in Suffolk, GB

a tremendous striking example in perfect condition, 1870 Japanese Measures: Height 92 cm

Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Japanese Imari Porcelain Vase, c.1870

$8,961

Pair of Quality Antique Japanese Bronze Vases

Located in Suffolk, GB

Pair of quality antique Japanese bronze vases having lovely shaped tops and elephant head handles

Category

Early 1900s Unknown Meiji Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Quality Antique Japanese Bronze Vases

$951

Large Antique Quality Japanese Imari Floor Standing Vase

Located in Suffolk, GB

Large antique quality Japanese Imari floor standing vase having a splendid trumpet shaped scalloped

Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edo Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Ceramic

Large Antique Quality Japanese Imari Floor Standing Vase

$2,731

19th Century Japanese Large Scale Green Glazed Ceramic Storage Jar

Located in Stamford, CT

Large scale Japanese ceramic storage jar with beautiful green drip glaze. It takes real skill to

Category

Late 19th Century Meiji Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century Japanese Large Scale Green Glazed Ceramic Storage Jar

$3,850

Pair of Chinese Japanese Hand Painted Imari Bottle Vases Gilt Blue Red

Located in Dublin, Ireland

Stunning pair of Chinese or Japanese Imari bottle vases of compact size, made during the last

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Pair of Chinese Japanese Hand Painted Imari Bottle Vases Gilt Blue Red

$801 / set

Perfume Burner in Copper Decor Cloisonné Enamels, Topped of a Fo Dog, Japan

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Perfume burner in copper decor Cloisonné enamels, topped with a dog Fo, Japan, middle nineteenth

Category

1850s Asian Japonisme Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Copper

Perfume Burner in Copper Decor Cloisonné Enamels, Topped of a Fo Dog, Japan

$2,729

19th Century Japanese Meiji Palace Urn with Foo Dog Handles

By Satsuma, Japanese Studio

Located in Houston, TX

19th century Japanese Meiji palace urn with foo dog handles. Stunning large antique Japanese Meiji

Category

1870s Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Japanese Meiji Palace Urn with Foo Dog Handles

$4,650

Japanese Imari Covered Urn

Located in Chicago, IL

A 19th century Japanese porcelain imari covered urn with a multicolored glazed brocade design

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Imari Covered Urn

$1,580

Antique Japanese 19th Century Satsuma Temple Urn

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique Japanese 19th century satsuma temple urn.

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Japanese 19th Century Satsuma Temple Urn

$3,900

Japanese Meiji Bronze Urn Form Table Lamps

Located in Astoria, NY

Japanese Meiji period bronze urn form table lamps. Each urn with three horned beast handles and

Category

1920s Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Meiji Bronze Urn Form Table Lamps

$1,152 / set

19th Century Pair of Japanese Brass Urns

Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL

This is a stately pair of Japanese two-handled embossed brass urns, depicting birds and foliage

Category

19th Century Japanese Other Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Brass

19th Century Pair of Japanese Brass Urns

$4,200 / set

Antique Japanese Bronze Urn made into lamp

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique Japanese Bronze Urn made into lamp

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Urns

Antique Japanese Bronze Urn made into lamp

$2,400

Pair Antique Japanese Satsuma Porcelain Urns, Circa 1890.

Located in New Orleans, LA

Pair Antique Japanese Satsuma Porcelain Urns, Circa 1890.

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Porcelain

Pair Antique Japanese Satsuma Porcelain Urns, Circa 1890.

$4,000 / set

Japanese Imari Porcelain Urn Lamps, a Pair

Located in Marietta, GA

Adorable pair of small , Japanese Imari, urns w/ gilt bases. Beautifully painted, in classic Imari

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Imari Porcelain Urn Lamps, a Pair

$695

Antique Japanese Bronze Baluster Vase Urn Meiji Period

Located in West Hartford, CT

This stunning antique Japanese bronze vase has a baluster body. The bronze vase is expertly

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Bronze

Antique Japanese Bronze Baluster Vase Urn Meiji Period

$950

Large Bronze Urn from Japan Meiji-Period, 1868-1912

Located in Kastrup, DK

Rare large bronze urn, crafted in high quality. Plenty of decorations with birds etc. Japan

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Bronze

Large Bronze Urn from Japan Meiji-Period, 1868-1912

$2,610

Early 20th Century Japanese Bronze Urn with Cranes

Located in Chicago, IL

A bronze baluster form urn from Japan. This urn is from c. 1900 and depicts a scene of cranes

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Bronze

Early 20th Century Japanese Bronze Urn with Cranes

$2,880

Japanese Antique Old Pottery Small urn Primitive Wabi-Sabi Object

Located in Chiba, Chiba

This is a Japanese small jar. Small unglazed jar. It may have been a daily utensil or seed jar

Category

16th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Antique Old Pottery Small urn Primitive Wabi-Sabi Object

$320

Japanese Gilt Bronze Figure Holding a Cloisonné Urn, Meiji Period

Located in London, GB

A fine bronze inlaid figure holding a cloisonné gilt bronze mounted urn, on a bronze base with four

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Gilt Bronze Figure Holding a Cloisonné Urn, Meiji Period

$8,900

Antique Pair Japanese Satsuma Hand Painted Vase Urns Meiji Period 1868-1912

Located in Dublin, Ireland

Stunning Pair of large early Meiji period Satsuma heavy gauge earthenware Rouleau Japanese Vases

Category

19th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Antique Pair Japanese Satsuma Hand Painted Vase Urns Meiji Period 1868-1912

$1,157 / set

Antique Stem Vase, Japanese, Weathered Bronze, Decorative, Flower Urn, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique stem vase. A Japanese, weathered bronze decorative flower urn, dating to the

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Bronze

Antique Stem Vase, Japanese, Weathered Bronze, Decorative, Flower Urn, Victorian

$869

Pair Antique Japanese Imari Porcelain Urns with Reticulated Pierce Work, Ca 1880

Located in New Orleans, LA

Pair very fine Antique Japanese Imari porcelain urns with reticulated pierce work, Circa 1880-1890.

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Porcelain

Pair Antique Japanese Imari Porcelain Urns with Reticulated Pierce Work, Ca 1880

$7,000 / set

Wonderful Pair of Fine Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enameled Vases Urn Form Lamps

Located in Roslyn, NY

A wonderful pair of Japanese Meiji cloisonne enameled vases with flower bouquets and spray and is

Category

Early 1900s Japanese Japonisme Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Enamel

Wonderful Pair of Fine Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enameled Vases Urn Form Lamps

$4,950

Pair of Antique Japanese Bronze Urns, Now Mounted as Lamps

Located in Montreal, QC

This handsome pair of lamps are at once highly ornamental and useful. An oversized pair of Japanese

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Antique Japanese Bronze Urns, Now Mounted as Lamps

$6,500 / set

Antique Japanese Meiji Figural Bronze Floor Urn with Dragons, Birds and Floral

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Japanese Meiji period figural open floor urn (vase) features scalloped shaped opening atop

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Bronze

Antique Japanese Meiji Figural Bronze Floor Urn with Dragons, Birds and Floral

$1,090

Large Antique Japanese Meiji Bronze Koro Censer insense Burner Urn Eagle Snake

Located in Portland, OR

A fine & Large antique Japanese Meiji period bronze Koro or incense burner or urn, circa 1890

Category

1890s Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Bronze

Large Antique Japanese Meiji Bronze Koro Censer insense Burner Urn Eagle Snake

$2,900

Antique Pair Japanese Imari Arita Hand Painted Ginger Jars Vase Urns Meiji Perod

Located in Dublin, Ireland

Stunning Pair of large early Meiji period Imari heavy gauge earthenware Rouleau Japanese Ginger Jar

Category

19th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Antique Pair Japanese Imari Arita Hand Painted Ginger Jars Vase Urns Meiji Perod

$1,168 / set

Antique Pair Of Display Urns, Japanese, Cloisonne, Posy Vase, Meiji, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique pair of display urns. A Japanese, cloisonné posy vase, dating to the Victorian

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Victorian Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Pair Of Display Urns, Japanese, Cloisonne, Posy Vase, Meiji, Victorian

$2,737

Fine Japanese Satsuma Hand Painted Gilt Vase Urn Meiji Period 1868-1912

Located in Dublin, Ireland

An Exceptionally Fine Example of a Japanese Satsuma Hand Painted Early Meiji Period Vase. Last

Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Ceramic

Fine Japanese Satsuma Hand Painted Gilt Vase Urn Meiji Period 1868-1912

$694

Antique Asian Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Cloisonne Enamel Urn Vase Red Gilt

Located in Dublin, Ireland

An Exceptionally Fine Quality Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase of unusually large proportions, early

Category

19th Century Japanese Early Victorian Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Ormolu

Antique Asian Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Cloisonne Enamel Urn Vase Red Gilt

$682

Pair Antique Japanese Bronze and Porcelain Urns Converted to Lamps, circa 1900

Located in New Orleans, LA

Pair antique Japanese exceptional quality bronze and porcelain urns converted to lamps, circa 1900s.

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Bronze

Pair Antique Japanese Bronze and Porcelain Urns Converted to Lamps, circa 1900

$4,900 / set

Antique IMARI Ginger Jar Vase Urn Foo Dog Lid Oriental Japan Hallmark Porcelain

Located in Tyler, TX

Excellent antique Japanese IMARI hand-painted ginger jar, urn, or vase with foo dog finial on Lid

Category

1880s Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Porcelain

Antique IMARI Ginger Jar Vase Urn Foo Dog Lid Oriental Japan Hallmark Porcelain

$595

Antique Japanese Satsuma Pottery Floor Urn, Exterior Scene with Figures, C1920

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Japanese Satsuma Pottery Floor Urn, Exterior Landscape Scene with Figures, C1920 Measures

Category

Early 20th Century Asian Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Japanese Satsuma Pottery Floor Urn, Exterior Scene with Figures, C1920

$600

A Good Quality Pair of Japanese Bronze Urns w/Brass and Pewter Inlay, Now Lamps

By Gumps

Located in San Francisco, CA

A good quality pair of Japanese bronze urns with brass and pewter inlay now mounted as lamps

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Urns

A Good Quality Pair of Japanese Bronze Urns w/Brass and Pewter Inlay, Now Lamps

$7,900

Pair of Oriental Bronze Urns Vases Bird Serpentine Decorations Chinese Japanese

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of vintage oriental bronze urn vases depicting

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Oriental Bronze Urns Vases Bird Serpentine Decorations Chinese Japanese

$890 / set

Antique Pair Japanese Chinese Imari Porcelain Ormolu Urns Vases Blue Red Gilt

Located in Dublin, Ireland

Stunning Pair Traditional Japanese Imari octagonal form hand painted Porcelain Vases of quite large

Category

19th Century Chinese Victorian Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Ormolu

Antique Pair Japanese Chinese Imari Porcelain Ormolu Urns Vases Blue Red Gilt

$1,483 / set

Antique Pair Japanese Chinese Imari Porcelain Ormolu Urns Vases Blue Red Gilt

Located in Dublin, Ireland

Stunning pair Traditional Japanese Imari double gourd form hand painted Porcelain Vases of quite

Category

19th Century Chinese Late Victorian Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Ormolu

Antique Pair Japanese Chinese Imari Porcelain Ormolu Urns Vases Blue Red Gilt

$919 / set

Circa 1880 Scalloped Japanese Imari Plate

By Imari Porcelain

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Circa 1880 scalloped Imari plate, Japanese. Hexagonal shape. Floral urn on stand central reserve

Category

1880s Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Porcelain

Circa 1880 Scalloped Japanese Imari Plate

$165

Pair of Large Imari Covered Urns

Located in Montreal, QC

True pair of Imari porcelain covered urns with floral design on white ground with reserves of gilt

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Large Imari Covered Urns

$6,500

Meiji Period Large Bronze Vase or Urn

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Beautiful detailing with raised birds and flowers, signed underside.

Category

19th Century Japanese Japonisme Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Bronze

Meiji Period Large Bronze Vase or Urn

$1,850

19th Century Japanese Blue and White Jar

Located in Chicago, IL

A 19th century Japanese blue and white glazed porcelain jar depicting phoenix amidst cherry

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Japanese Blue and White Jar

$1,880

Japanese Patinated Bronze Figural Clock Vase, Meiji Period

Located in Queens, NY

two young Japanese boys holding an urn, surrounded by hills, mountains and nature, on elephant head

Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Patinated Bronze Figural Clock Vase, Meiji Period

$11,000

Japanese Patinated Bronze Figural Clock Vase, Meiji Period

Located in Queens, NY

two young Japanese boys holding an urn, surrounded by hills, mountains and nature, on elephant head

Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Patinated Bronze Figural Clock Vase, Meiji Period

$13,500

An Elegant Pair of Japanese Quadrangular Pale Celadon Lamps

Located in San Francisco, CA

An elegant pair of Japanese quadrangular pale celadon glazed urns now mounted as lamps; each with

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Antique Japanese Urns

An Elegant Pair of Japanese Quadrangular Pale Celadon Lamps

$5,250

An Exceptional Pair of French 19th Century Imari Porcelain and Ormolu Lidded Urns

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An exceptional and true pair of early 19th century Imari porcelain and ormolu lidded urns. Each

Category

19th Century Japanese Louis XIV Antique Japanese Urns

Materials

Ormolu

An Exceptional Pair of French 19th Century Imari Porcelain and Ormolu Lidded Urns

$64,500

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Antique Japanese Urns For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of antique Japanese urns available for sale. The range of distinct antique Japanese urns — often made from metal, ceramic and bronze — can elevate any home. Antique Japanese urns have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Antique Japanese urns made by Regency designers — as well as those associated with Arts and Crafts — are very popular at 1stDibs. Many antique Japanese urns are appealing in their simplicity, but Shigaraki Valley Potters, Champeleve and Hashimoto Eijirô produced popular antique Japanese urns that are worth a look.

How Much are Antique Japanese Urns?

Prices for antique Japanese urns start at $250 and top out at $84,950 with the average selling for $2,400.

Questions About Antique Japanese Urns

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.