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Hi- I was wondering if anyone can tell me about this Japanese porcelain bowl I picked up at a thrift store. It says it is Japanese porcelain hand painted in Hong Kong. It says I think : Lexin Exclusive on the back. The bowl has metal on the back- maybe brass?

As far as I recollect, Hong Kong porcelain ornamentation factories responsible for such decorative wares used Japanese blanks so their overseas buyers could avoid tariffs that some western nations, including the USA, levied on porcelain and other products made by the People's Republic of China during the 3rd quarter of the 20th century. I believe such tariffs had largely been lifted in the West by the end of the 1970s.

This kind of metal-clad porcelain was rather common around Hong Kong and other Asian ports of call during the late 20th century when I worked in and around the former British colony. Here's a piece of tableware in a 19th century-style 'Dayazhai' (Studio of Great Elegance) pattern used for condiments that I picked up at the time

Best regards,

Bill H.

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