posted on June 1, 2003 11:36:12 AM new
OK, I've opened still another box of "treasures" from my friend and this exquisite antique Chinese cup/saucer was inside. I'm no expert but feel fairly certain it's quite old. I'm including 5 photos including one of the mark on the bottom. The saucer measures 4 1/4 inches in diameter. Both the cup and saucer appear to be hand painted and BOTH are literally covered in design...lots of gold. The design of the chubby little "god" figure and smaller figure are painted in the bottom of the cup. Unfortunately, the base of the cup has been broken; about 1/3 is missing. Any help with identification (age/value/etc.) will be, as usual, greatly appreciated.
posted on June 1, 2003 01:02:04 PM new
Thanks...I probably should have known this as I lived in Japan for 5 years and have a piece of modern Satsuma myself...My friend said it was Chinese so I just didn't think further. I'll probably wait until September to list and will post when it goes on. It really is exceptional and, like many items, is really much more exquisite "in person" than the photos can show. Thanks for the info...appreciate it!
posted on June 1, 2003 04:28:15 PM new
This is definitly Satsuma. I am not sure, but it could be as old as mid 1800's. I have a list of Satsuma marks & this looks much like one from 1840-1850. I would suggest that you do some research on this as it may be worth a whole lot more than you would imagine. Good Luck!!
posted on June 1, 2003 04:48:38 PM new
Thanks for "heads up", sanmar. I checked out a really great site: gotbeborg.com that had tons of marks...The mark on my pieces looked a lot like those of the Meiji period and I even found an artist's mark ("mon"?) that was very similiar. I will go back and double check the period you mentioned...Thanks.
posted on June 1, 2003 05:02:48 PM new
Also, this would be export porcelain as the Japanese did not drink from this type of cup. That may be some help when researching it. There are many great sites that will help you to read the mark. The clue is to get the Dynasty name. I'm better with Chinese than Japanese. Keep in mind that the break will cut about 50% off the value. Do you have the missing piece to it?
Cheryl
My religion is simple, my religion is kindness.
--Dalai Llama
[ edited by CBlev65252 on Jun 1, 2003 05:03 PM ]
posted on June 1, 2003 05:32:21 PM new
Thanks for all the help/info. I re-checked the site (gotheborg.com) and looked for mid/late Edo period but couldn't locate any further info. Under "Satsuma", the entry number that looked most like mine is #470...which was Meiji period. Unfortunately, I think the cup base broke a long time ago (it definitely looks like an old break) so I don't have the piece. I wish the original owner had stored it in the cup or at least tried to glue it back! Probably won't matter much but that's the only damage...the rest is perfect with no chips, cracks or flakes. Any further information will be very helpful...and thanks again to all!
A very good friend of mine can read Japanese. I will see what date I can get for you. May take a couple of days, but I'll post it here. It really is a great cup and saucer.
Cheryl
My religion is simple, my religion is kindness.
--Dalai Llama
