What’s It Worth?

Q:I inherited a large covered urn with handles. I was never told exactly what it is, its age, origin or value. It stands about 18 inches high. It has raised areas and includes a brightly colored panel showing some men.-- S.S.

Answer: It is a Japanese moriage porcelain jar made during the first half of the 20th century. Moriage features relief decoration. It was made by applying slip to a porcelain form that was then hand-painted and fired.

Although it is not very old, it is unusual because of its size. The bad news is it appears that the piece is damaged. It would retail for $125.

Q:The large vase that I inherited from my mother is marked "Haviland, France" with a gold signature that I believe reads "T.J. Scoville." I have researched it but cannot find any information. -- M.M.

Answer: Haviland china dates to 1853 when David Haviland of New York founded a factory in Limoges, France, and began exporting china to America. The idea paid off, and he became the largest exporter of French china.

This pitcher probably was hand-painted in America since Haviland exported blanks for amateur and professional china decorators. It was made around the turn of the 20th century. It would retail for about $150.

Have a question about an antique or collectible? Send e-mail to with a digital image, or send a complete description with a clear photograph to Jay Moore, Flair Department, Richmond Times-Dispatch, P.O. Box 85333, Richmond, VA 23293. Photographs will not be returned. The large volume of mail may mean a delay in publishing answers.