Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A charming porcelain demitasse set featuring a bold 'Queen of Hearts' motif with vibrant red hearts and gilded filigree. The cup features a distinctive pedestal foot and a delicate, ornate handle characteristic of mid-century Japanese export giftware.
Story
Post-war Japan became a powerhouse of whimsical ceramics for the American market. This set was designed to bring a touch of 'Alice in Wonderland' fantasy to the formal coffee hour, blending traditional porcelain with pop-art flair.
Maker / Origin
Inarco, founded by Irwin Garber in Cleveland in 1958, specialized in importing high-quality decorative ceramics from Japan. They are most famous for their 'head vases,' but their themed tea and coffee sets captured the playful spirit of 1960s entertaining.
Condition & Value
The porcelain appears bright with no visible cracks. There is minor shelf wear on the saucer's foot ring and a small dark speck on the cup's foot which appears to be a firing flaw. Excellent preservation of the red decals.
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.