Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. Pablo Picasso

{HISTORY}

It's hard to decide which is more beautiful. The cup itself or the tea that it will hold.

Exquisite in every way possible, this beautiful antique porcelain cup and saucer is a true work of art. Made in Japan and handpainted both inside and out in vibrant shades of ultramarine blue, tomato red, and celery green, there is a possibility that these two, although incredibly similar in palette and design, may not be a matching set. Both are stamped - the teacup with a decorator's mark, and the saucer with a handpainted Japan mark that is yet to be identified. But despite a handful of similarities, there is a lingering question regarding their connection as a pair that we just can't seem to shake.

The style of each dates to the 1920s time period or perhaps a little before, when this type of pattern and color arrangement was very popular.  The saucer, tipped off by the copper design around the rim, mostly resembles Te-Oh porcelain patterns, and the cup with its delicate bamboo detail on the handle resembles styles produced by several different companies. Both contain the same colors, the same style of painted flower, the same wavy blue edge around the rim, yet if they were an exact match we think the cup would have contained the same copper design around the rim as the saucer. We could be wrong, but it's a sneaking suspicion that these two wound up together over the course of time instead of being made for each other. Isn't that a romantic little detail?

Either way, perfect match or complimentary couple, this set is stunning. It will appeal to the artist, the bohemian spirit, the color lover. By far, this is the most vibrant and beautifully painted porcelain we have seen in the shop yet. The flowers on the inside of the cup feature raised centers - little dots of paint that give it texture and dimension. The painted hearts and floral swags offer beauty from every direction and the swirly whirly copper design around the saucer rim catches and reflects light beautifully. Teatime never looked more joyful!

 {SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Two-piece set 

- Colors include tomato red, blueberry, ultramarine, celery, butter plum, salmon, mustard, light pink and copper.

- Porcelain

{CONDITION}

In gorgeous antique condition, There are no chips, cracks or staining.

{SIZE}

The cup measures 3.75" inches (diameter) x 2" inches (height). The saucer measures 5.5" inches (diameter). Together, this set weighs 7.3 oz. 

{FOR THE CREATIVE ARTIST}

Find more unique handpainted vintage kitchenware here