What is Japanese porcelain?

The creation of Japanese porcelain began in the late 1500s. Although the styles and variations of Japanese porcelain range, many consider Kyushu to be the center of Japanese porcelain production. You’ll find a variety of antique and modern Japanese porcelain pieces on 1stDibs.

How do you date Japanese porcelain?

To date Japanese porcelain, examine its markings. Generally, the name Nippon appeared on pieces produced between 1891 and 1921. From 1945 to 1952, makers placed a mark that read "Made in Occupied Japan." A piece that is marked simply "Japan" or "Made in Japan" may date from the period just before or during World War II or from after the end of occupation in 1952. When in doubt, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer for help with dating. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Japanese porcelain.

Is Japanese porcelain valuable?

Yes, some Japanese porcelain is valuable. Many collectors prize porcelain ware produced in Japan during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, and demand for pieces from this period can be high due to the demand. Some types that are particularly sought include Arita ware, Seto ware and Mino ware. The value of a particular piece depends on its age, maker, style and condition. A certified appraiser or expert dealer can help you determine how much your porcelain is worth. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of Japanese porcelain.

How much is Japanese porcelain worth?

Japanese porcelain ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 but may be found at a lower price in auctions. It’s a valuable collectible from the latter half of the 19th century and early part of the 20th century. Find a variety of antique and vintage Japanese porcelain on 1stDibs.

Japanese Porcelain Animals

Sleeping Cat Sculpture

Woodblock Prints Contemporary

Japanese Porcelain Animals For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of Japanese porcelain animals is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct Japanese porcelain animals — often made from ceramic, porcelain and gold — can elevate any home. There are 33 antique and vintage Japanese porcelain animals for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 19 modern editions to choose from as well. Japanese porcelain animals have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Japanese porcelain animals are generally popular furniture pieces, but Hollywood Regency, Mid-Century Modern and Art Nouveau styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Many Japanese porcelain animals are appealing in their simplicity, but Fitz and Floyd, Kenji Fujita and Kutani Studio produced popular Japanese porcelain animals that are worth a look.

How Much are Japanese Porcelain Animals?

Japanese porcelain animals can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $645, while the lowest priced sells for $175 and the highest can go for as much as $16,300.

Finding the Right Animal-sculptures for You

Invite the untamed wonders of the animal kingdom into your home — and do so safely — with the antique, new and vintage animal sculptures available on 1stDibs.

Artists working in every medium from furniture design to jewelry to painting have found inspiration in wild animals over the years. For sculptors, three-dimensional animal renderings — both realistic and symbolic — crisscross history and continents. In as early as 210 B.C., intricately detailed terracotta horses guarded early Chinese tombs, while North America’s native Inuit tribes living in the ice-covered Arctic during the 1800’s wore small animal figurines carved from walrus ivory. Indeed, animal sculpture has a long history, and beginning in the 19th century, the art form started becoming not only fashionable but artistically validated — a trend that continues today. At home, animal sculptures — polished bronze rhinos crafted in the Art Deco style or ceramic dogs of the mid-century modern era — can introduce both playfulness and drama to your decor.

In the case of the frosted glass sculptures crafted by artisans at legendary French glassmaker Lalique, founded by jeweler and glass artist René Lalique, some animal sculptures are purely decorative. With their meticulously groomed horse manes and detailed contours of their parakeet feathers, these creatures want to be proudly displayed. Adding animal sculptures to your bookcases can draw attention to your covetable collection of vintage monographs, while side tables and wall shelving also make great habitats for these ornamental animal figurines.

Some sculptures, however, can find suitable nests in just about any corner of your space. Whimsical brass flamingos or the violent, realist bronze lions created by Parisian sculptor Antoine-Louis Barye are provocative and versatile pieces that can rest on windowsills or your desk. Otherwise, the brass cat shoehorns and bronze porcupine ashtrays designed by Viennese artist Walter Bosse are no longer roaming aimlessly throughout your living room, as they’ve found a purpose to serve.

Embark on your safari today and find a fascinating collection of vintage, modern and antique animal sculptures on 1stDibs.

Questions About Japanese Porcelain Animals

What is Japanese porcelain?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The creation of Japanese porcelain began in the late 1500s. Although the styles and variations of Japanese porcelain range, many consider Kyushu to be the center of Japanese porcelain production. You’ll find a variety of antique and modern Japanese porcelain pieces on 1stDibs.
How do you date Japanese porcelain?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
To date Japanese porcelain, examine its markings. Generally, the name Nippon appeared on pieces produced between 1891 and 1921. From 1945 to 1952, makers placed a mark that read "Made in Occupied Japan." A piece that is marked simply "Japan" or "Made in Japan" may date from the period just before or during World War II or from after the end of occupation in 1952. When in doubt, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer for help with dating. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Japanese porcelain.
Is Japanese porcelain valuable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
Yes, some Japanese porcelain is valuable. Many collectors prize porcelain ware produced in Japan during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, and demand for pieces from this period can be high due to the demand. Some types that are particularly sought include Arita ware, Seto ware and Mino ware. The value of a particular piece depends on its age, maker, style and condition. A certified appraiser or expert dealer can help you determine how much your porcelain is worth. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of Japanese porcelain.
How much is Japanese porcelain worth?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
Japanese porcelain ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 but may be found at a lower price in auctions. It’s a valuable collectible from the latter half of the 19th century and early part of the 20th century. Find a variety of antique and vintage Japanese porcelain on 1stDibs.