
Porcelain salt cellar or condiment dish with hand-painted pink rose decoration
History
This appears to be a Nippon-era porcelain salt cellar or small condiment dish, likely produced in Japan between 1891 and 1921. During this period, Japanese porcelain manufacturers created delicate tableware pieces featuring hand-painted floral motifs and often incorporated gold trim, exporting them widely to Western markets. These pieces were part of the broader trend of Japanese decorative arts gaining popularity in Europe and America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Salt cellars and small condiment dishes like this one appeal to collectors of vintage tableware, Nippon porcelain enthusiasts, and those interested in early 20th-century Japanese export ceramics. These pieces are valued for their delicate hand-painted artistry, historical significance as examples of Japan's export trade during the Meiji and Taisho periods, and their charming functionality as part of formal dining traditions. Collectors appreciate the craftsmanship and the nostalgic connection to elegant table settings of the past.
Origin
Japan
Time period
circa 1891–1921