Silver Overlay Technique: It is very difficult to find pieces decorated with silver overlay. These wares are highly desirable. The silver accent is heavily applied over a background of cobalt, white porcelain, floral, and/or scenic design. Like gold, silver had to be handled differently. As it melts at a much lower temperature than other colors, great care had to be taken when firing to prevent the silver from melting and sinking into the enamel decoration. If overfired silver could discolor or even turn black. Silver application on an item required that the item be fired separate from other colors - after the other decoration had been applied - to avoid issues and preserve the beauty of the silver.

Eventually platinum was added to silver to raise the melting point so that it could be fired at a higher temperature. This was found to have the added benefit of reducing tarnishing which was a problem with the ware once completed. These pieces need special care – see “Care and Cleaning” under the “Know Your Nippon” button on the Home Page for guidance.

These wares are found with the following marks: JVP 79. JVP 80, JVP 82, and JVP 227.

MEMBERS, for more information, go HERE.