1910-11 Antique Nippon Noritake Nut Bowl Set, 24k Gold-Christmas Ball 16034 RARE

Description

1910-1911 Antique Nippon Noritake Nut Bowl Set (6 Total), 24k Gold-Christmas Ball 16034
Based on "The Collector's Encyclopedia of Nippon" by Joan F. Van Patten and multiple internet, community and literary sources, we believe this is an extremely rare edition of the Christmas Ball pattern (possibly the first) that was most likely either the first U.S. Import of Nippon Porcelain or purchased directly in Nagoya or Noritake Japan for personal export from the Morimura Brothers factory
. The early pale blue Maruki mark (sometimes referred to as spider-mark or spoke) indicates that this early antique set was most likely brought to the U.S. in 1910, where "
the first china products from the new company could leave Japan for the U.S. The first reported U.S. registry for a Noritake back stamp for importing is 1911. Not not until 1914 after a long series of trials and errors the first fine porcelain dinnerware suitable for export was produced." Patten's #103 & #180 indicate that these back stamps on the Nut Bowl set pre-date 1911-1912 and were very early (if not the 1st) imports to the U.S. as they are most similar to the 1911 pattern but still have the Japanese Kanji (letters) on the back stamp. Possibly sold to the tourist market in Japan as well for personal export and might be earlier than 1910 according to further research.
These are museum-worthy pieces.
Original Nippon in
Mint
or
Excellent
condition. 24K Gold trim is firmly in place, with no occlusions or damage. Nut bowls have normal signs of use and wear for being antique, but most likely were used for display or formal entertaining only. There are no chips, cracks or damage to the porcelain as well. Beautiful, pristine condition. They were purchased from a smoke-free and pet-free estate. Larger Nut Bowl measures approximately 6" across and the smaller adjoining bowls measure 3".
Items will be shipped professionally with adequate insurance. Staff members at Katerina Kollectibles have over 5 years of museum/preservation experience and will coordinate with a local professional shipping facility to ensure safe transport of items.
Returns are accepted in original condition. We have listed this as an auction since we are not Nippon "experts," but do believe based on our collective research that there is some extreme value to these items based on their excellent condition, rarity and provenance. We have set a wide range of pricing in this auction to let the antique market decide the value of these items. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us directly.
We welcome any reasonable offers.
We appreciate you visiting Katerina Kollectibles and thank you for your patronage!
On Jul-27-21 at 15:33:39 PDT, seller added the following information:
Update: This was also found in further research directly from the Noritake Collector's Guild:
"137. Mark: "Komaru" symbol. The center symbol said to be taken from the Japanese character "Komaru", meaning "overcoming difficulties". Crowned with "hand painted" and below the mark "Nippon". According to the Noritake company tradition this mark was designed when meeting the different culture of the west early in the 20th century caused many problems, also known as the "tree crest mark" which is the clan crest of the Morimura family. According to recent information from the Noritake Company the correct (current) term for this mark should be 'Maruki'. Very early mark, possibly the 1910's."