Skip to main content
Home

Main navigation

  • Free Appraisals
    • Get a Free Appraisal
    • View Appraisals
    • Local Appraisers
  • Classifieds
  • Blog
  • Shows
    • Antique Shows, Flea Markets, & Swap Meets Map
    • Upcoming Shows
User Menu
  • Login
  • Help
  • Register

Breadcrumb

  1. Home

tea set

Profile picture for user jwilsonswife913
By jwilsonswife913, 14 May, 2025
Description

japanese tea set my great uncle brought back for my great grandmother during ww2

Category
Asian Art
Condition
Excellent
For Sale?
Yes
Photos
Profile picture for user NaidaTheCollector

NaidaTheCollector

1 month 2 weeks ago

Japanese Moriage Dragonware Tea Pot

Japanese Moriage Dragonware Tea Pot
Origin: Japan
Period: Circa 1920s–1940s (Taishō to early Shōwa period)
Style: Moriage Satsuma-style Dragonware
Material: Porcelain with raised slip (moriage) decoration
Mark: The red label on the base marked “Made in Japan” with a serial number suggests post-1921 export and likely pre-1952 manufacture
Condition: Excellent (based on images, no apparent cracks, chips, or heavy wear)

Description:

This is a beautifully preserved example of Japanese "Dragonware"—a type of moriage porcelain characterized by raised, hand-applied enamel decoration featuring mythological dragons in dynamic poses. The tea pot is part of a set commonly brought back by servicemen during World War II as souvenirs.

The dark-to-light gradient glaze (black to gray with white) is typical of this style, and the finely detailed dragon in relief adds both aesthetic and collectible value. The lid appears original and intact, which is important for maintaining full value.

Historical Significance:

The label suggests this was manufactured for export, likely between the 1920s and 1940s. These pieces became widely known due to U.S. servicemen returning from Japan and the Pacific with such items after WWII. Dragonware became especially popular in the U.S. collector market during the mid-20th century.

Estimated Value:

  • Individual Tea Pot: $35 – $60 USD
  • Full Tea Set (with cups, saucers, sugar, creamer, etc.): $150 – $250 USD (depending on condition and completeness)

Prices may increase for full sets in pristine condition with original boxing or provenance (e.g., documented connection to a WWII soldier).

Selling Recommendations:

If you wish to sell in the U.S., consider:

  • eBay (popular for niche collectors)
  • Etsy (especially for vintage home dĂ©cor)
  • RubyLane.com (for more curated antique sales)
  • Local antique shops or consignment dealers

Recommendation:

If you have additional pieces (e.g., teacups, saucers, sugar bowl, creamer), it’s ideal to photograph and document them for a full set appraisal. For highest return, selling as a complete set is recommended. If the set has provenance (e.g., a note from your great uncle or a period photo), this could further increase buyer interest.

No votes yet
Profile picture for user jwilsonswife913

jwilsonswife913

1 month 2 weeks ago

i do have full set

i do have full set

No votes yet
  • Log in or register to post comments

Today’s Featured Blog

How to Start a Collection: Tips for Beginners

More Blog articles…

Recent Appraisals

  • antique umbrella holder
  • Mack 1 Appraisal Request
  • Ceramic pottery tray with agate finish
  • Paul Hanson Hand Painted Lamps
  • gone with the wind hurricane lamp
  • Blenko Blue Glass bowl with gold foot 14.5"
  • ROBERT BERRAN OFFSET LITHOGRAPH ADVERTISEMENTS DONE FOR CONN Ltd 1974
  • CLOCKUP PUBLICATIONS #27
  • National Theatre Supply Company Sirryplex projector. a-c motor model # 5ksa47ci, type ksa, frame 4/7, form, c, volts 110, with many pieces and parts
  • Lladro girl with flowers
See more appraisals…

Recent Appraisal Comments

  • Antique Art Nouveau Ceramic Box (Attributed to Carl Sigmund Lube
  • Antique Or Vintage Ceramic Umbrella Stand
  • Any help as to what this may…
  • Painting - Possibly Alfred Fontville De Breanski Jr
  • Has been on the wall of our…
  • Pair of Paul Hanson Hand-Painted Table Lamps
  • Handcrafted Ceramic Tray with Agate Glaze Pattern
  • Hand-Painted Gone with the Wind Hurricane Lamp
  • Blenko Handmade Glass Bowl – Blue with Gold Foot (14.5")
  • Robert Berran Limited Edition Lithograph Set for C.G. Conn Ltd.

Recent Blog Articles

  • How to Start a Collection: Tips for Beginners
  • Beyond the Price Tag: The Hidden Factors That Influence Antique and Collectible Value
  • Beyond the Price Tag: Unlocking the Hidden Stories in Your Family Heirlooms
  • Antiques as an Investment: Beyond the Hype, What's Actually Worth It?
  • Is it Real or Just Really Old? Your Guide to Spotting Fake Antiques (and How to Protect Yourself)
  • Beyond the Dust: Unearthing the Stories Behind Your Antiques (and Why Knowing Matters)
  • Unlocking Time's Treasures: Your Essential Vintage Watch Value Guide

More Blog articles…

© 1995- InstAppraisal™, Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, Terms and Conditions, End User License Agreement