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Hello,does anyone know what this mark represents, what period is this Japanese rice eggshell and is worth $ 250? Thank you!

The righthand stack in your mark looks to read 'Made by Hirado' (Hirado Sei), while the other says 'Mikawachi' (the Hirado kiln site).

Other Hirado marks I've seen that mention Mikawachi were written with the character for 'Made by' at the bottom of the left stack, following 'Mikawachi'. Perhaps Arjan or someone who collects Hirado can tell us whether this difference has any significance for age and value. I found one online listing of a Hirado eggshell C&S set with what appears to be the same mark as shown by Beli, but with 'Sei' (Made by) translated as 'San' (Product). The link is included below.

For comparison with your mark and the one online, here's a Hirado eggshell set with underglaze blue mark of 'Hirado San, Giei Tsukuru' (Hirado Product made by Giei),dating to the late 19th century. I believe the impressed mark beneath the written one probably is the orchid logo of the Fukagawa-linked Koransha company.





URL Title :HiradoEggshell

Hi Beli,

What you show us is Hirado eggshell porcelain. The mark reads Hirado sei Mikawachi (as far as I can see). I guess it dates from second half 19th. century. 250 ???? thats alot I think.

Regards,

Arjan

Hi Bill and Beli,

I'm not aware of any difference (in age or value) in use of sei or san after Hirado. I think san is a bit more common but sei not rare. Herewith an example from my own collection with a more typical Hirado decoration. (sorry for the bad pictures).

Regards,

Arjan

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