UPDATE: Merry Mushrooms Maker's Mark

Nearly two years ago, I explored the maker's marks, import stickers, and other bottom markings on the napkin holder. At the time, the back stamped "MA" or "MR" mark on the bottoms of many of the pieces was a mystery, though I supposed it was the original maker's mark.

More recently, while researching for a future blog, I combed through countless websites and library books searching for a particular import sticker. Though I haven't found that sticker, I did have a sudden pang of recognition at this mark.

Maruri maker's mark on figurines made for Enesco.

Maruri MR backstamp on pieces made for Napco.

While clearly not the same in either design or application, this maker's mark (top picture above on mobile devices) is undeniably the same MR as seen on Merry Mushrooms. According to the site, the Maruri company produced products different importers, including well-known names like Enesco, Homco, and Lefton. The site suggested seeing the Maruri back stamped mark under Napco. Dutifully, I scrolled down and was struck for a second time.

There it is! (bottom picture above on mobile devices) Putting it together, the Maruri company manufactured the majority of ceramic Merry Mushrooms for Sears, who presumably acted as the importer. Curiously, the MR mark is on pieces marked "Made in Japan" (Merry Mushrooms) and "Taiwan" (top picture).

Manufacturing and importing in the mid-20th Century was complicated and sometimes not completely honest. Factor in political issues of Southeast Asia of the time, a piece marked "Made in Japan" might really have been made in China or Taiwan (especially after 1980) and sold to importers in the United States. How much importers knew is unknown.

"Village" Kitchen Coordinates sold by Sears, 1981-1983.

Digging into Maruri, this discussion on China Chat figurines-sculpture.com confirmed that the MR mark is that of the Japanese company Maruri (the MR standing for Ma Ruri). Sears was even mentioned! Someone found a note identifying a donated coffee or tea service set as "Maruri Japanese Cottage ware Hand painted sold at Sears in 1981." Could that be the Village Kitchen Coordinates sold in 1981-1983?

The discovery of the maker of our favorite fungi is a huge revelation! What will I find next?