Phoenix Bird: Japanese Blue and White Export China
Phoenix Bird china is a popular pattern of Japanese blue-and-white porcelain featuring a stylized ho-o bird (the Japanese phoenix) surrounded by flowering branches, produced primarily for export to the United States and Europe from the late 1800s through the mid-20th century. Manufactured by dozens of Japanese potteries, Phoenix Bird was sold through dime stores, offered as premiums, and used in everyday American households. Its abundance and charm make it one of the most recognized patterns in blue-and-white collecting.
History and Production
Phoenix Bird china was produced mainly in the Arita and Nagoya regions of Japan, beginning in the Meiji period (1868-1912) and continuing through the 1950s. The pattern was not made by a single factory but by numerous workshops producing variations on the ho-o bird theme. Production peaked in the 1920s-1930s. The ware was sold through importers like Morimura Brothers (who also distributed Noritake) and was widely available in American department stores and five-and-dime shops.
Pattern Variations
| Variation | Description | Relative Value |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Bird (standard) | Ho-o bird in flight with florals, border pattern | Common |
| Flying Turkey | Larger, more detailed bird with spread wings | Moderate |
| Twin Phoenix | Two birds facing each other | Less common |
| Howo | Similar bird with distinct border patterns | Moderate |
| Flying Dragon | Dragon replacing the bird motif | Less common |
| Myott (English) | English factory copying the Japanese pattern | Moderate |
Identification
- Most pieces marked "JAPAN" or "MADE IN JAPAN" on the base
- Pre-1921 pieces may be marked "NIPPON" (Japanese export requirement changed in 1921)
- Various backstamps exist; some bear factory marks or importer stamps
- The blue varies from pale to deep cobalt depending on the manufacturer
- Transfer-printed (most common) versus hand-painted (scarcer and more valued)
- Quality ranges from crude to quite fine; examine the clarity of the transfer and glaze quality
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Cup and saucer, standard | $5-$20 |
| Dinner plate, 10 inches | $10-$30 |
| Covered vegetable dish | $20-$60 |
| Teapot, standard size | $20-$50 |
| Large platter, oval | $20-$75 |
| Chocolate pot with lid | $30-$80 |
| Nippon-marked piece, pre-1921 | $15-$60 |
| Unusual form (egg cup, condensed milk holder) | $15-$50 |
| Complete dinner service, 40+ pieces | $150-$500 |
Condition Factors
- Chips, cracks, and crazing are common given the utilitarian nature of the ware
- Blue transfer quality varies; crisp, well-defined prints are preferred
- Gilt decoration, when present, often shows wear from dishwashing
- Staining from food use is common in bowls and cups
- Replaced lids on teapots and covered dishes should be checked for matching pattern alignment
- Minor manufacturing defects (glaze skips, kiln grit) are normal for this production level
Collecting Tips
- Phoenix Bird is one of the most affordable blue-and-white collecting fields, accessible to beginners
- Focus on unusual forms: egg cups, condensed milk containers, chocolate pots, and children's sets are harder to find
- Nippon-marked pieces (pre-1921) are slightly more valued by collectors
- Hand-painted examples with finer detail command more than standard transfer-printed pieces
- Complete table services are impressive displays but are assembled over time from mixed makers
- The pattern mixes well with other blue-and-white china for attractive table settings
- Several collector reference books by Joan Oates document the full range of forms and variations