Preliminary identification

Blue Danube Porcelain Tea Cup and Saucer

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

A classic example of Blue Danube dinnerware, featuring the iconic underglaze blue floral motifs inspired by 18th-century Meissen 'Blue Onion' designs.

Story

In 1951, an American importer named Hal Lipper sought to bring the prestige of European 'Blue Onion' porcelain to the post-war American middle class. He commissioned Japanese artisans to recreate the intricate, symbolic pattern that had been a status symbol in Europe since the 1730s.

Maker / Origin

Lipper International, originally Lipper & Mann, was a New York-based importer that specialized in fine glass and ceramics.

Condition & Value

The porcelain appears bright and the glaze is intact with no obvious chips, cracks, or crazing visible in the photos. There is very minor shelf wear on the unglazed foot ring, which is consistent with age. Excellent condition for this pattern maintains its utility and modest collector value.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

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.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD