Nengo or Japanese Period Names

When using markings to identify Japanese Satsuma Pottery, it is important to know during which time period, or "Nengo" the piece was made. Knowing this fact will allow you or the buyer to make a better and more informed decision about the price and source of the piece.

The most commonly found Satsuma Pottery will be from the Meiji Period, which is from 1868 to today. During this time the potters and kilns of Satsuma and neighboring regions were producing lots of items which were sold abroad to collectors and enthusiasts. These items were of lower quality than ones made before this time.

Below you will find a table that shows the dates and markings associated with the different time periods along with the name.

1704	宝永	Houei
1711	正徳	Shoutoku
1716	享保	Kyouhou
1736	元文	Genbun
1741	寛保	Kanpou
1744	延享	Enkyou
1748	寛延	Kan'en
1751	宝暦	Houreki
1764	明和	Meiwa
1772	安永	An'ei
1781	天明	Tenmei
1789	寛政	Kansei
1801	享和	Kyouwa
1804	文化	Bunka
1818	文政	Bunsei
1830	天保	Tenpou
1844	弘化	Kouka
1848	嘉永	Kaei
1854	安政	Ansei
1860	万延	Man'en
1861	文久	Bunkyuu
1864	元治	Genji
1865	慶応	Keiou
1868	明治	Meiji
1912	大正	Taishou
1926	昭和	Shouwa
1989	平成	Heisei

The Japanese calendar is also referred to using the period name, followed by a number such "Meiji 2". This is used as before the Japanese began to use the Gregorian calendar in 1873, the years were marked following the succession of a new emperor. The period was named after a few years into the reign of the Emperor and ran for his entire govern-ship.

To covert a Japanese year to a western year, follow this simple rule:

Take the Japanese year, Example: "Meiji 14"

1. Subtract 1 from the number.
2. Find the beginning year of the reign of the Emperor of that period. In this example, the Meiji period or Nengo, runs from 1868 to 1912.
3. Add the number from the previous calculation and this gives the western year.

Meiji 14 = 14-1 = 13. 1868 + 13 = 1881
Meiji 23 = 23-1 = 22. 1868 + 22 = 1890

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