Antique Nippon Porcelain Fan Dish | Hand Painted Crane Moriage Motif

This striking fan-shaped dish bears the historic blue "Hand Painted Nippon" wreath mark, a hallmark of Japanese porcelain produced for export between the McKinley Tariff Act of 1890 and the early 1920s. During this era, Japanese artisans blended traditional Eastern motifs with Western forms, resulting in the highly coveted "Nippon" style. The use of the fan shape (sensu) is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, representing expanding wealth and a flourishing life.

The dish features a sophisticated "Moriage" technique, a style of relief gilding where beads of clay or gold slip are applied to the surface to create a three-dimensional texture. The central motif of cranes is a classical Japanese theme; the bird is a sacred creature in Asian mythology, representing a thousand years of life and fidelity. Because these pieces were hand-painted by skilled artisans rather than mass-produced via decals, each surviving example remains a unique work of art highly sought after by porcelain collectors worldwide.

Condition Report
This piece is in excellent antique condition. The porcelain body is free of chips, cracks, or crazing. The hand-painted blue-to-white gradient remains vibrant. There is light, age-appropriate thinning of the gold gilt along the scalloped edges and on the raised moriage lines, which serves to authenticate its century-old heritage.

The Specs
Dimensions: 4 ½" Wide x 3 ½" Deep x ¾" High
Weight: Approx. 3.2 oz
Materials: Fine Porcelain, Gold Gilt, Pigment
Year Made: Circa 1891–1921
Maker: Nippon (Export Era)