Swan Teapot

Q: A friend of mine gave me this 6-cup swan-shape teapot that belonged to her grandmother. She doesn’t know anything about its origin. The mark is partly worn off and all I can read is “Hand Painted” and “Made in Japan.” Do you have any idea who made this teapot and when?

A: This mark was used by Gold Castle, a company in Chikusa, Japan. Not much is known about the company, but the words “Made in Japan” are a clue to age. It was used on items made in Japan and imported to the U.S. between 1921 and 1945 and again from 1952 to the present. The swan teapot is from this later period. Gold Castle made teapots in other animal shapes, as well as figurines, plates, salt and pepper shakers, vases, and other items. Figural teapots by Gold Castle retail for about $50.