Advance sample no mark paper label Victorian image Victorian period Measures 8 inches in height The case of Nippon or Japanese Porcelain marks is a bit more peculiar. The word "NIPPON" is the official name of the country of Japan and Japanese makers and trading companies initially marked their porcelain with the name Nippon. However, in 1921, the Congress requested that Japanese Ctoms Authorities change the name to JAPAN. Therefore, Porcelain and China antiques that are marked "NIPPON" were made prior to 1921 and items that are marked "JAPAN" were made after 1921. Furthermore, most Porcelain and Chinaware imports from Japan were rarely marked with the actual manufacturer's mark.