Maple Ware Japan Divided Condiment Dish Yellow Black Scenic Ceramic

This Maple Ware Japan Divided Condiment Dish is a vintage ceramic serving piece with two compartments, a bright yellow border, and black country landscape illustrations.

The dish is in good condition with smooth edges and no visible chips or cracks. There is minor wear on the underside, including dark marks along the unglazed foot rings.

Maple Ware was among the Japanese ceramic lines exported for American households during the mid 20th century. This piece likely dates to the 1930s to 1950s, when small divided dishes were common on dining tables. The black landscape scenes, yellow border, and unusual shape make it just as interesting on display as it is for serving small portions.

Details

• Item: Maple Ware Divided Condiment Dish
• Item Type: Ceramic divided serving dish
• Era: Likely 1930s to 1950s
• Materials: Glazed ceramic
• Color: White with bright yellow border and black detailing
• Maker and Mark: MAPLE WARE with red maple leaf symbol and MADE IN JAPAN
• Pattern or Model: Black country landscape scenes. Official pattern name not confirmed from photos.
• Style: Mid century Japanese export pottery, country landscape design
• Dimensions: 7 inches long, 5 inches wide, and approximately 1 inch thick. Product weight 9 oz.
• Special Features: Two recessed serving compartments, raised center divider, two triangular openings, yellow painted border, thin black outer stripe, and two black landscape illustrations.

Condition Grade: Good

Positives

• Graded Good: This Maple Ware dish retains its original shape, bright colors, and decorative landscape designs, with minor wear on the underside.
• No visible chips or cracks.
• All edges feel smooth.
• The glossy white glaze remains bright across both serving compartments.
• The yellow border adds color around the entire dish.
• The thin black outer stripe follows the shaped edge of the dish.
• Both compartments retain their black landscape illustrations.
• Each landscape includes a tree, a small structure, and surrounding vegetation.
• The center divider separates the two serving areas.
• Two triangular openings are incorporated into the design near opposite ends of the divider.
• The MAPLE WARE backstamp, maple leaf symbol, and MADE IN JAPAN marking are clearly readable.
• The two compartments make this a useful dish for serving small condiments, nuts, or candies.

Issues / Wear

• Minor dark marks and wear are visible along the unglazed foot rings on the underside.
• Light gray discoloration is visible within the recessed areas of the underside.
• Small scattered marks appear on the underside near the maker's stamp.
• The yellow painted border shows slight unevenness and small areas of wear.
• A few tiny dark specks are visible on the white glazed surface.
• No chips or cracks are visible.

If you collect Maple Ware Japanese ceramics, this little divided dish offers a cheerful yellow border, two black country scenes, and a useful shape for serving or display. It would fit nicely among other older kitchen pieces or on a shelf where its unusual design can be seen. If it's the one you've been looking for, it's ready to come home.