Occupied Japan Handpainted Ceramic Object

The item captured in the image is a fragment of a ceramic object, likely a figurine, vase, or decorative piece, identifiable by the markings on its base or underside. The primary material is ceramic, characterized by a smooth, off-white or cream-colored glaze. The surface appears to be glossy, reflecting some light, and has a slight discoloration or brown spotting in some areas, which could indicate age, minor staining, or original manufacturing imperfections. A key identification feature is the red, hand-painted mark which reads "MADE IN OCCUPIED JAPAN HANDPAINTED". This mark is distinctly applied in capital letters, exhibiting slight variations in brush stroke and pressure, confirming the 'handpainted' claim. The 'Occupied Japan' mark indicates a manufacturing period between 1945 and 1952, placing the item firmly within the mid-20th century. The visible portion includes a circular hole, consistent with hollow-ware ceramic construction, often found in figurines or certain types of vases, possibly for wiring if it was a lamp base, or simply as part of the molding process to prevent cracking during firing. The edges around this hole appear clean, without obvious chips or cracks. The overall visible condition of the ceramic is relatively good given its age, with no major visible cracks or repairs. The slight discoloration might be minor manufacturing flaws or light surface dirt, rather than significant damage. The craftsmanship, though difficult to assess fully from this partial view, appears typical of pieces from the Occupied Japan era, often mass-produced but with a touch of individual hand-finishing.