Vintage Nippon Hand-Painted Pansy Sugar Bowl with Lid
Nippon (Various Japanese kilns/distributors for Noritake and Others) · Kitchenware & Appliances > Tableware > Serving Pieces
Era / Decade
Early 1891–1921 Era (McKinley Tariff Act required 'Nippon' marking)
Material
Fine porcelain (bone china-style), hand-painted over-glaze enamel, and likely gold-leaf trim (partially worn).
Condition
Good Vintage Condition. The main body and lid appear intact without major chips, but there is significant wear to the gold gilding on the handles and rims, and slight enamel fading consistent with age.
Demand Level
Moderate/Niche. Demand is steady among 'Nippon' enthusiasts and cottagecore decorators, but the formal china market has softened slightly in recent years.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$15.00 - $35.00 (Low: $12; Mid: $25; High: $45 if part of a set)
Estimated Retail Value
$65.00 - $85.00 (Adjusted for modern equivalent of hand-painted decorative porcelain)
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sold listings for single Nippon floral sugar bowls range from $18 to $28 plus shipping. Full tea sets in this pattern can reach $150+, but individual replacement pieces generally hover in the $25 range.
Description
Exquisite antique Nippon porcelain sugar bowl featuring a delicate hand-painted pansy floral motif in shades of magenta and slate blue with muted green foliage. This double-handled piece includes its original matching lid with a traditional finial. The pot sits on a slightly flared foot and displays the classic matte-to-semi-gloss finish characteristic of early Japanese export china. Approximately 4-5 inches wide handle-to-handle.
Key Features
Pre-1921 'Nippon' stamp identifies it as the most collectible era of Japanese porcelain export. The hand-painted pansy pattern is highly desirable among floral china collectors. Includes original lid, which is often lost or broken.
Authenticity Indicators
The 'Nippon' mark (usually a rising sun, maple leaf, or 'M' in wreath) on the bottom is the primary indicator. Authenticity confidence: High, based on the specific watercolor-style hand-painting and handle shape typical of the era.
Flaws to Note
Visible loss of gold luster/gilding on the ring handles and the finial knob. Fine crazing may be present upon close inspection. Minor surface scratches from usage over 100+ years.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Etsy (best for pre-1920 antiques), eBay (widest reach for specific pattern searchers), or a local high-end antique mall. Avoid generic platforms like Poshmark for this specific category.
Selling Tips
Use keywords: 'Antique Nippon', 'Hand Painted Pansy', 'Moriage Era', and 'Cottagecore'. Photograph the backstamp clearly. Highlight that the lid is included. Double-box for shipping with plenty of bubble wrap, as these pieces are extremely brittle.
Notes
China hand paintedNippon