When you look at an old (almost antique) handpainted teacup, it's easy to forget that this is a mastered art form that sometimes takes years or even decades to perfect. This beautiful set of four porcelain blue and gold cups with matching saucers were made between 1928-1945 and come from Chikamarchi of Japan which was Noritake's apprenticeship program. This is where porcelain artists honed their skills and where Noritake tested new designs before each (student, and pattern) were accepted into the fold of the prestigious Nortiake brand. Tragically, the Chikaramachi studio burned down in 1945 and almost all of the program's designs, dishes, patterns and drawings were lost to the fire. That makes these four a rare find and an interesting study in the art of porcelain manufacture. Not without a few imperfections, these cups and saucers are stunning, maybe even better than perfect, for their story and their survival. Find them newly listed in the shop! -- -- -- -- #noritake #teacups #chikaramachi #rare #handpaintedsigns #apprentice #porcelain #blueandwhite #japan #tealovers #artistry #tealovers #1920s #1930s #cuppatea
