Posted ByGeorges Bouvier on February 04, 2002 at 00:49:42:
In Reply to: Re: Matsuyama-gama posted byCarl on February 02, 2002 at 00:26:46:
: : : Did Matsuyama-gama produce porcelain for export? Is this kiln still in production?
: : The export period for kutani started from Meiji (1868). Matsuyama closed down in 1872. It means the kiln could not survive without the support of Maeda clan. It did not modify its strategy like many other kilns did in switching their production to export and also in adapting their production to europeen style and demand.
: I'm confused by a porcelain plate that could scarcely have been intended for domestic Japanese use yet bears a mark of, or one resembling, the Matsuyama-gama. Are fakes of Matsuyama porcelain common? Or, have slightly altered Matsuyama marks been known to have been applied to ceramics from another source?
The Matsuyama mark is a fuku mark (luck), it is very similar to yoshidaya or ko-kutani or many kind of kutani copy.
You cannot rely on the marking only to recognize a Matsuyama piece. Original Matsuyama are quite valuable and I guess rare outside Japan.
You have to check color and motif and probably get an expert to confirm, it is not easy.
You can always send me a picture, but I can not certify anything.
Best regards