Unidentified Japanese china, what are they?

[Fw86]

Hi all, new member and first post, so apologies for my ignorance. I know antique cars, but Japanese china is a little outside my usual remit.
I acquired them from my grandparents after they passed 😔 and nobody in the family really knew much about them, except that they are Japanese. My great grandfather was a missionary in Japan in the early 20th century but came back to the UK shortly after my grandfather was born. I have no idea what they are meant to be used for, but I really like them anyway. I've had a look on various websites (gotheborg gives lots of makers marks) at different makers, marks and styles but can't seem to find any other similar pieces or anything with similar artwork to give me an idea of the era. Any help with identifying purpose and provenance would be brilliant, and if they are worth enough to be kept somewhere safer than on the mantelpiece. They seem to be in good condition, no chips, just a little dirty. They are quite different in shape but are obviously a pair.

Many thanks and look forward to your replies, fw86

[Fw86]

Sorry, slow Internet, got impatient and it posted twice....

[Ipcress]

They aren't Japanese, they're European.

Potentially worth quite a bit but they need to be seen first hand by an expert. Meissen designed that pattern in the early mid 18th so they could be originals, could be copies.

It might be the photos but the porcelain looks to be from a later period.

[Fw86]

Thanks Ipcress, clearly I was correct when I said I didn't know much about them! Have just been looking up Meissen and the AR Augustus Rex mark and it seems likely that they are imitations, clearly real pieces are very rare and most are in royal or museum collections. Who would I go to to be sure? South west England. Thanks again for quick response

[Ipcress]

I wouldn't agree that most are in royal or museum collections

South West - past Exeter or around Somerset ?

[Fw86]

Ok, I was just passing on what I read on a couple of sites but should know by now bot to believe everything I read on the net. Very much appreciate your info though

Near Warminster

Thanks

[Ipcress]

Ok, I was just passing on what I read on a couple of sites but should know by now bot to believe everything I read on the net. Very much appreciate your info though

Near Warminster

Thanks

E-mail Woolley & Wallis in Salisbury.

enquiries@woolleyandwallis.co.uk

[mart]

Mark looks correct and wear looks right for Wolfsohn !! Right !! Not all Meissen AR is in museums !! Sometimes turns up in family collections !! But as was said,, copies are floating around as well !!  Email Ipcress link and let us know what they say !!
Had to check more !!

[KC]

Another Salt Cellar!  They are lovely!

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1843-83-helena-wolfsohn-meissen-ar-173259233
Check out these reproduction (or fake) marks and see if yours matches up
http://meissenporcelain.com/fake-meissen-porcelain-marks/
http://meissenporcelain.com/fake-meissen-porcelain-marks/helena-wolfsohn-ar-mark-2/

[Fw86]

Having emailed them a few photos on Saturday, I received this from the expert at Wooley and Wallis this morning;

 "The salts are German porcelain but not by Meissen, I'm afraid. They are made in the Meissen style and use an early version of the factory's mark but they are copies rather than the real thing. At auction they would be worth in the region of £40-60"

Having looked at the links posted by KC showing the various monograms I thought they were probably reproductions. Thank you all a great deal for your help though. I will definitely be returning if I need any help or advice in the future!

[mart]

Bump up !!