Exquisite and rare antique Japanese eggshell porcelain coffee (or demitasse tea) service for 6, dating back to the 1930s (pre-war Showa period).
This 12-piece service is a masterpiece of Japanese craftsmanship, made of paper-thin, translucent eggshell porcelain, renowned for its incredible lightness. The surface features a stunning, iridescent lusterware finish with metallic reflections, entirely hand-painted with traditional scenes of geishas playing the shamisen. The design is enriched with intricate raised details (moriage technique) and elegant gold and coral red accents.
The true magic of this service is revealed when holding the cups up to the light: hidden within the very thickness of the porcelain base is a beautiful, highly detailed lithophane (litofania) showing the face of a geisha.
The underside of the saucers bears the red export backstamp "Royal Porzelan" with a crown, a mark typical of high-quality Japanese porcelain produced during this era specifically for the European and Western collectors' market.
The service includes 12 pieces in total: 6 cups and 6 matching saucers.
A DIMENSIONS
· Saucers (Diameter): 11.5 cm / approx. 4.52 inches
· Cups (Height × Diameter): 5.6 × 5.6 cm / approx. 2.20 x 2.20 inches
CONDITIONS
The pieces are in excellent vintage condition for their age. No chips, cracks, or hairline fractures detected on the delicate porcelain. As these are nearly century-old, entirely hand-painted items, minor and normal wear to the gilt or luster glaze may be present, which only adds to their authentic historical charm. (Please review all high-resolution photos carefully as they form part of the description).
SHIPPING
Express shipping with professional packaging.
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