Hand Painted Nippon Gilded Porcelain Plate — 8.5", Raised Gold Floral Vine, c.1891–1921

A Rare Piece of Japanese Export Porcelain History

This magnificent 8.5-inch plate bears the coveted "Hand Painted Nippon" mark on its base — one of the most sought-after designations in antique porcelain collecting. Under US customs law, "Nippon" (the Japanese word for Japan) was required on all Japanese export porcelain between 1891 and 1921. After 1921, the mark changed to "Japan," making any piece marked "Nippon" definitively over 100 years old and a genuine antique.

The decoration is extraordinary: an elaborate raised gold floral vine sweeps around the entire rim, featuring large white blossoms, delicate buds, and flowing leafy tendrils rendered in rich, three-dimensional gold. This raised (or "paste") gold technique was a hallmark of the finest Nippon-era pieces, requiring exceptional skill and multiple firings to achieve. The warm ivory ground and double gold banding complete the composition with formal elegance.

Nippon porcelain was produced to rival the finest European china of the era, and the best examples — like this one — are considered museum-quality antiques by serious collectors.

• Mark: Hand Painted Nippon — definitively dated 1891–1921
• Size: 8.5 inches in diameter
• Raised gold floral vine with white blossoms and leafy tendrils
• Double gold banding at rim
• Warm ivory porcelain ground
• True antique — over 100 years old

Condition

Very good antique condition. Gold decoration is bright and largely intact with minor wear consistent with its age. No chips or cracks. A display-worthy piece and a proud addition to any serious Nippon or antique porcelain collection.