Antique RC Nippon Hand-Painted Gilt Handled Dish

A highly decorative Nippon-era Japanese porcelain handled dish (often referred to by collectors as a “nappy,” bonbon dish, or small handled serving dish) featuring a sophisticated hand-painted border combining Art Deco–leaning geometric chevrons with delicate rose garlands. The piece is finished with generous, bright gold gilt along the rim and integral handles, giving it the rich presentation collectors look for in early 20th-century Japanese export porcelain. The underside bears the backstamp “Hand Painted” over an interlaced “RC” with “Nippon” below. This is a documented RC Nippon mark, recorded in use from 1911–1921, and commonly seen on more utilitarian forms (serving and table items), as opposed to strictly ornamental pieces. The letters RC are commonly cited as standing for “Royal China” or “Royal Crockery.” Because the mark includes “Nippon” (the Japanese word for Japan), it places the piece in the legally defined Nippon export era (1891–1921)—a period driven by U.S. import-marking requirements that led Japanese manufacturers to stamp wares “Nippon” for Western export, until regulations shifted to requiring “Japan” in English after 1921. Decor / style • Decor style: Late Edwardian / early Art Deco crossover (graphic chevrons + floral cartouches) • Palette: black chevron banding, soft rose garlands, warm ivory/white ground, heavy gold gilt • Display impact: strong cabinet piece; also excellent as a functional small server Technique notes (collector-relevant) • Porcelain body with overglaze hand-painted enamels (floral work) • Gold overglaze gilding on rim and handles for a luxe, high-contrast finish typical of high-quality export wares made for Western tastes in the Nippon era Measurements • Overall width (handle to handle): 7.5 in • Serving area (interior diameter): 7.0 in Mark • “Hand Painted” / interlaced “RC” / “Nippon” (RC Nippon) Country of origin • Japan (Nippon-era export porcelain, 1891–1921) Estimated date • c. 1911–1921 based on documented RC Nippon usage and the presence of “Nippon” in the mark Condition Exceptional antique condition. No chips, no cracks, no hairlines, and no gilding wear/rub—gold remains fully intact. Appears to have been carefully preserved with minimal handling. No chips, The porcelain body is clean and sound. Any minor signs of age are limited to light surface wear consistent with careful use and display; gilding presents strongly (see photos). Antique Nippon, RC Nippon, Royal China, Royal Crockery, Japanese export porcelain, hand painted, gilt, gold, handled nappy, bonbon dish, Art Deco chevron, roses, Edwardian, early 20th century Japan