Japanese Ceramic Dish Appraisal

temp-rite by Aladdin Ceramic Dish (Made in Japan)

The item appears to be a segment of a rectangular or oblong ceramic dish, likely part of a casserole dish or serving ware. Its primary color is an off-white or cream, exhibiting a smooth, glossy glazed finish. The base, visible in the image, shows a slightly raised rim, which is unglazed and displays a more porous, bisquit-like texture, indicative of ceramic or porcelain. The most prominent feature is the dark blue, possibly underglaze, inscription. Key manufacturing details are clearly legible: "THE FOR temp-rite® by Aladdin," followed by "NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE," "EAS-J31," and "MADE IN JAPAN." The 'temp-rite' branding suggests it was designed to withstand temperature changes, indicating its use for baking, serving, or food storage where temperature retention is desired. The 'by Aladdin' mark ties it to the well-known Aladdin brand, which expanded into various houseware products. The address 'Nashville, Tennessee' likely refers to the distributing or design headquarters, while 'MADE IN JAPAN' specifies the country of manufacture. 'EAS-J31' is likely a model or production code. The item displays minimal visible wear or damage from the provided image; the glazed surface appears largely intact and free of chips or cracks, although subtle surface reflections suggest some incidental marks or dust. The unglazed rim shows slight discoloration consistent with age and typical handling, but no significant chipping. Based on the branding style and 'Made in Japan' designation, this piece likely dates from the mid to late 20th century, possibly 1960s-1980s, when Japanese exports of housewares were prevalent. The craftsmanship appears to be of standard commercial quality for mass-produced ceramic items of that era.