Moriage ware

Unmarked Moriage ware
History and Methods of Moriage ware
Values for Moriage ware
Learn why Dr. Lori should appraise your Moriage ware
Request an online appraisal for your Moriage ware
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Unmarked Moriage ware

In the tradition of the taste for Orientalism or Japonisme in the latter part of the 19th Century, moriage vases are a good example of the form and the style of the time. Usually hand painted and gilded, these pieces are a prime form of the decorative arts of the late 19th Century or Victorian era. 

Moriage is usually unmarked. So, if it isn't marked, it isn't valuable! Right? Wrong! Trained art historians and museum professionals can identify unmarked pieces. Time and time again, I watch these antique shows on TV with self proclaimed experts misidentify unmarked ceramic pieces. If I can identify the piece from my seat in front of the TV from basic indicators such as form and clay color, shouldn't they know what they have right in front of them?

History and Methods of Moriage ware

China was known by the generic name of Paris and Old Paris was made in several Parisian factories during the 18th and 19th centuries. The items made of Paris (porcelain, yet called China or Paris) were decorated with floral bouquets and raised banding or wet slipware applications. Japanese ceramic wares called moriage were pieces decorated with applied slipwork designs. 

Several methods were used to achieve this relief effect. The decorative elements may have been designed separate from the body of the piece and applied to an existing piece or carefully piped on in narrow ribbons of clay. The piece's designs could have been "slip-trailed" or built up by the act of brushing on successive layers of liquified slip to gain the desired effect. 

Highly stylized flowers, variations of pastel colors, some gilding or gold paint, and various applied slip decorations are all characteristics of moriage pieces. The moriage style indicates that the piece referenced the late 19th century interest in Japonisme and the worldwide decorative art interest in the exotic.

Values for Moriage ware

To provide a general idea of value, depending on several factors some of which are condition and age, a 10 inch high vase in the moriage style may range between $200-$1,200. As I have seen at our "What's it Worth?" programs, many of you have these types of vases. "You have the stuff!" Make sure you know those values before you throw that ugly vase away!

Dr. Lori
Director
Masterpiece Technologies Inc.