Nippon Hand Painted Tea Cup and Saucer Value Guide

This Nippon porcelain tea cup and saucer set represents the peak of Japanese export artistry during the Meiji Period (1891-1921). These pieces are highly collectible for their intricate hand-painted floral designs and the application of iridescent luster glazes that showcase early 20th-century craftsmanship.

What Is Nippon Hand Painted Tea Cup and Saucer Worth?

The typical price range for Nippon Hand Painted Tea Cup and Saucer is $75 - $90 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the hand-painted floral elements and the presence of any wear to the delicate luster glaze.
• Completeness of the set, as matching cups and saucers in original pairings command higher prices.
• Complexity of the decoration, specifically the use of moriage or gold gilt accents alongside the floral motifs.
• The specific backstamp used, as certain variations of the Nippon mark can influence desirability among specialized collectors.

How to Identify Nippon Hand Painted Tea Cup and Saucer?

• Look for the 'Nippon' backstamp on the base, which was required by the McKinley Tariff Act of 1891.
• Examine the surface for hand-painted details and moriage, a distinctive raised slip decoration common in this era.
• Verify the porcelain quality, which should be fine and translucent when held up to a light source.
• Check for the specific iridescent luster glaze finish that gives the floral pattern a metallic or pearlescent sheen.

History of Nippon Hand Painted Tea Cup and Saucer

Nippon porcelain refers to Japanese porcelain produced between 1891 and 1921. During this Meiji Period, Japan began exporting large quantities of its exquisite hand-decorated porcelain to the West, primarily to the United States. These items were marked with 'Nippon' to comply with the McKinley Tariff Act, which required imported goods to be marked with their country of origin. Many pieces feature intricate hand-painted designs, often incorporating moriage a raised slip decoration and lustrous glazes. The artistry and craftsmanship of Nippon porcelain made it highly sought after and it remains a popular collectible today, representing a significant era in Japanese ceramic art and international trade.