help Identify the marks in a oriental teapot

[KC]

Friend just verified it is Japanese but couldn't verify where.  Traditionally is the area made (should be on it but isn't).  She believes they are authentic Ipcress.  Crudely lettered.  But not certain on age because they have "done quite well in the pottery market" and "can make pots look older" than they are.

First pot mark - in the middle (which should be the first mark) is the Da mark and the second mark is for the dynasty.  But other marks aren't present.

[mart]

KC !! Did you take a good look at the blue one ?? Look at how large the crazing is,, yet could see very little on the yellow one !!  Don`t think I have ever seen natural crazing like that !!  Could be due to the curvature but its odd !!

[Ipcress]

Friend just verified it is Japanese but couldn't verify where.  Traditionally is the area made (should be on it but isn't).  She believes they are authentic Ipcress.  Crudely lettered.  But not certain on age because they have "done quite well in the pottery market" and "can make pots look older" than they are.

First pot mark - in the middle (which should be the first mark) is the Da mark and the second mark is for the dynasty.  But other marks aren't present.

Yeah i got all that, KC. It's like the characters you normally see for Dai Nippon / Great Japan but here the mark is for a name and although i know certain characters like Nishi, Yama etc and can recognise others, i haven't seen this. It is similar to but not identical to characters on very late Meiji items.

In the early 20th century, there was a movement in Japan similar to that seen in late Victorian / early 20th century western antiques. Like with majolica, you often saw fruit or vegetable designs. Even corn on the cob ( which was replicated in the US by various companies )
Below is an ivory carving of a banana. These are stunning pieces and highly sought after

http://images.onlinegalleries.com/gfx/275991.jpg

An orange

http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/14021928_a-japanese-ivory-okimono-of-an-orange-early-20th


I'd say the teapots were from a similar period but not particularly valuable.

[KC]

I agree Ipcress about usage of the Dai (great) mark.  It was used for a very long time and by many - but today is most commonly associated with Dai Nippon. 

Wow, impressed with the fruits.  Hadn't seen ones like these before.  Thanks for sharing!

These are pieces that would need a reputable hands-on in my opinion to determine more.  I also agree that they may not be ones you could retire on the profits.