Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A vibrant porcelain demitasse set featuring a lobed, flower-form rim and intricate hand-painted 'moriage' (raised enamel) decoration. The scene depicts a traditional Japanese figure, possibly a samurai or noble, rendered in a rich palette of gold, turquoise, and coral.
Story
Post-WWI Japan saw a boom in 'novelty' porcelain crafted for Western tea tables. This set survived a century of delicate handling, designed to bring the exotic allure of the East to a quiet afternoon coffee in London or New York.
Maker / Origin
While the green wreath mark is a generic export stamp, it represents the massive cottage industry of the Taisho and early Showa eras. Thousands of small kilns in regions like Seto and Nagoya collaborated to produce these hand-finished gems for global department stores.
Condition & Value
The porcelain appears free of major chips or cracks. There is minor rubbing to the gold gilt on the handle and rim, which is expected for its age. Condition is very good for export ware. Individual demitasse sets of this era are common, but the 'lobed' shape and high-relief moriage add a premium.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.