After its defeat in World War II, Japan was occupied by U.S. forces. Ceramics made between 1945 and 1952, when occupation ended, was typically stamped "Occupied Japan" or "Made in Occupied Japan," possibly to reassure U.S. buyers that some of the money would be used to pay reparations. There was still some strong anti-Japan sentiment at the time, and pottery makers likely hoped the "occupied" stamp would help them overcome that.
Learn about Occupied Japan and the associated markings by reading through a website such as OccupiedJapan.net and checking out the extensive photographic library of Occupied Japan markings, arranged by manufacturer, on The 4 Cs website (see Resources).
Search for "Occupied Japan" items on online auction sites for further study. The more familiar you are with the many types of ceramics that were made for export in Japan in the post-World War II years, and the "occupied" markings somewhere on them, the better you'll be able to identify them when you see them for sale.
Pay a visit to the nearest antique mall that carries antique Japanese pottery. Inspect each piece with a magnifying glass and check to see if the piece says either "Made in Occupied Japan" or "Occupied Japan." If it doesn't, it may not have been made for export to the United States during the 1945 to 1952 time frame.
Tip
Don't limit your search at the antique mall to the pottery section. The "Occupied Japan" and "Made in Occupied Japan" markings also were used on toys, silver goods and even lighters.
Warnings:
- Because items made in Occupied Japan sometimes sell for a premium in the United States, some sellers have added their own stamp to products that were not marked. Deal only with reputable sellers and, if in doubt, get a second opinion.
Resources
Tips
- Don't limit your search at the antique mall to the pottery section. The "Occupied Japan" and "Made in Occupied Japan" markings also were used on toys, silver goods and even lighters.
Warnings
- Because items made in Occupied Japan sometimes sell for a premium in the United States, some sellers have added their own stamp to products that were not marked. Deal only with reputable sellers and, if in doubt, get a second opinion.
Writer Bio
Thomas K. Arnold is publisher and editorial director of "Home Media Magazine" and a regular contributor to "Variety." He is a former editorial writer for U-T San Diego. He also has written for "San Diego Magazine," "USA Today" and the Copley News Service. Arnold attended San Diego State University.
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