Ceramic marks: 9 common stamp styles
Ceramic maker marks can be confusing: some are factory trademarks, some are studio stamps, and some are export labels added for customs. Use this collage to match the stamp style you’re seeing, then use the legend for what that style usually means (and what to check next).
Legend (tiles 1–9)
- Blue underglaze crown — painted under the glaze; often a factory trademark with letters/numbers nearby.
- Impressed letters — stamped into the clay before firing; look for crisp edges and consistent depth.
- Hand-painted signature — studio pottery initials or a decorator’s hand; compare brush style across pieces.
- Transfer-printed stamp — printed mark applied like a decal; common on mass-produced wares.
- Raised relief mark — molded in the base; often paired with pattern numbers or registry-style codes.
- Inked studio stamp — rubber or hand stamp; can smear with age/handling and often varies slightly.
- Character mark — symbols/characters used as a brand or tribute; these can be apocryphal, so confirm with form/glaze.
- Gold overglaze mark — applied on top of the glaze; often indicates higher-end decoration or a retailer mark.
- Export mark (“Made in …”) — added for customs compliance; wording helps date ranges (e.g., “Nippon” vs. “Japan”).
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Share a few photos (overall, base mark, close-ups of glaze/decoration, and any damage) and we’ll help identify the maker, estimate market value, and note what matters for insurance vs. resale.
Start an appraisalFAQ
Do ceramic maker marks tell the exact age?
Sometimes, but not always. Marks can change over time, be copied, or be applied by retailers. Use the mark with form, glaze, decoration technique, and wear patterns to narrow the date range.
What photos help identify pottery and porcelain?
Take (1) a straight-on photo of the whole piece, (2) the full base, (3) a sharp close-up of the mark, (4) close-ups of decoration and glaze texture, and (5) any condition issues (chips, crazing, repairs).
Are character marks always Chinese?
Not necessarily. Character-style marks can appear on wares made in many places and can be decorative or honorific. Confirm with the body/paste, glaze, and construction details, not the mark alone.
Why do “Made in Japan” marks matter?
Export wording can help with broad date ranges for pieces made for foreign markets. For example, “Nippon” is typically used on exports from 1891–1921; “Japan” and “Made in Japan” are generally later. Always confirm with the object itself.