Gold Castle 'Made in Occupied Japan' Floral Lidded Sugar Bowl Appraisal
Category: Dinnerware/Serveware
Description
This item is a lidded sugar bowl, likely made of porcelain or fine ceramic, with an overall off-white or light cream base color. Its dimensions appear to be small to medium, typical for a sugar bowl designed for a tea or coffee service. The body of the bowl is decorated with a vibrant floral pattern featuring roses in various shades of pink and red, alongside blue and purple flowers and green foliage, arranged in trailing garlands. There's a notable decorative band towards the bottom of the bowl, seemingly in relief or stenciled, with a white lace-like or filigree pattern over a lighter off-white or pale gold background. The rim of the bowl and the lid are scalloped or fluted, adding to its ornate appearance. Gold trim is prominent on the edges of the lid, the rim of the bowl, along the top and bottom edges of the handles, and around the base of the bowl, suggesting a touch of elegance. The lid features a central finial or knob, also with gold accents that depict leaf-like motifs. The handles are open, loop-shaped, and squared off at the top, consistent with a more formal or traditional design. Visible condition issues include potential minor wear to the gold trim, which is common for items of this age and usage. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with well-defined handles and a consistent decorative application. The bottom is stamped "Gold Castle Made in Occupied Japan," indicating its manufacturing origin and providing a specific age range, specifically between 1945 and 1952. The additional 'PAT' mark likely refers to a patent or pattern number. This sugar bowl embodies a post-WWII decorative style, often mass-produced for the Western market, characterized by its floral motifs and gold accents.
Appraisal Report
Upon examining the provided image and information, I assess this Gold Castle 'Made in Occupied Japan' Floral Lidded Sugar Bowl. The condition appears to be good for its age, with vibrant floral decoration and intact gold trim, though minor wear to the gold is expected and seems present. The scalloped rims and detailed handles contribute to its decorative appeal. The "Gold Castle Made in Occupied Japan" stamp unequivocally confirms its authenticity and places its manufacturing date between 1945 and 1952. The additional 'PAT' stamp likely refers to a pattern or design patent. Items from the 'Occupied Japan' period are generally well-documented, allowing for reliable authentication based on maker's marks. In terms of market conditions, 'Occupied Japan' ceramics, while collectible, are not typically rare; they were mass-produced for export. Demand is moderate, driven primarily by collectors of specific patterns, complete sets, or by those interested in the historical context of the period. Comparables for individual sugar bowls from this era and origin generally fall into a lower price bracket unless they are part of a highly sought-after complete set or exhibit exceptional artistry or condition. Factors impacting value include the charming floral design and the intact state of both the bowl and its lid. The primary limitation in this appraisal is the inability to physically inspect the item to ascertain the exact extent of gold wear, crazing, chips, or repairs, especially internal condition. A blacklight test could reveal professional repairs not immediately visible. Without physical examination or provenance documentation beyond the mark, the assessment of minor imperfections and their impact on value remains somewhat speculative.
Appraisal Value
$25-50