Rating and value of Japanese porcelain: Imari and Satsuma...

If you own one or more pieces of porcelain, or think you do, and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your piece, and provide you with a precise estimate of its current market value. Then, if you wish to sell your work, we will guide you towards the best possible means of obtaining the best possible price.

Rating and value of Japanese porcelain

Japanese porcelain is known and appreciated the world over. Japan was one of the first countries to produce it. Today, the price of certain pieces continues to rise under the auctioneer's hammer. Sculpted porcelain groups and vases with painted enamels are particularly prized, especially by Japanese buyers, and the price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €5 to €500,000, a considerable delta but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to Japanese porcelain. In 2022, a pair of gilt-painted enamel candelabras from the Louis XV period sold for €104,960.

Order of value from simple porcelain to the most prestigious

Japanese porcelain style and technique

Japanese porcelain originated during the Jomon period in Japan, before 300 BC. Archaeologists believe it to be one of Japan's oldest art forms. Traces of ceramic production can be found in all periods, porcelain being one type of ceramic. Japanese craftsmen knew very early on how to make porcelain.

Kyushu, the nerve center of Japanese porcelain

Thanks to archaeological excavations, ceramics are thought to have existed in Japan before 300 BC, during the Jomon period. Korea and China also produced ceramics and competed with each other, so much so that the war between 1592 and 1598 to conquer China was dubbed the "Ceramic War". A large number of Korean craftsmen settled in Japan at this time. In the north of the island of Kyushu, they discovered mineral deposits that enabled them to produce porcelain. The first porcelain services were made for the tea ceremony. Porcelain production begins in Arita, on the island of Kyushu. Porcelain is already entirely white, thanks to kaolin. The wars of the Ming dynasty, until 1644, damaged many kilns. In 1675, an influential family on the island built an official kiln to produce the wares of Japan's wealthiest families.

In the 18th century, production was internationally marketed thanks to Bengara (blood-red) enamel. It was exported to Europe, when the Meissen factory was founded in Germany and the Sèvres factory in France. Porcelain decoration was adapted to the tastes of the European aristocracy, who preferred beauty to symbolism. This became known as the Imari style, which today is the most famous style of Japanese porcelain.

They also produce lesser-known items in the Kakiémon and gold brocade styles.

In the 16th century, the Satsuma family set up production on the same island. Today, objects are identified as such, even though they do not have the original ivory color.

The price of Japanese porcelain

Japanese porcelain is highly prized at auction. It sells more or less well, depending on its state of preservation, the age of the piece and the artist who may have signed it. The prices at which it sells on the auction market are often quite high, with Japanese bidders looking for it a lot. 

Recognizing a piece of Japanese porcelain

Porcelain pieces from Japan can have very different signatures and hallmarks. That's why it's important to have your piece appraised. Here are two examples:

Knowing the value of a work

If you happen to own a piece of Japanese porcelain, or you think you might, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using the form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your work, as well as any relevant information about it. If you're thinking of selling your work, our specialists will also be on hand to offer you alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market trends.