Discontinued vintage OKURA porcelain bone china demitasse teacup / tea cup and saucer set in a LILAC pattern. (c. 1984) Excellent condition and will include the combined original Certificate of Authenticity from the Okura, Nishi-ku, Nagoya, Japan and the Danbury Mint. This fine bone china cup and saucer set is number 6 in the set of the Danbury Mint's Cups & Saucers of the World's Great Porcelain Houses. The 1st cup & saucer set was released and shipped out on October 31 , 1983, and the 25th (last) cup and saucer set was released and shipped out on December 31, 1985!
The graceful flowing lines of the cup and saucer are delicately enhanced by the beautifully executed lilac blossoms. Their soft shades of mauve, pink and lilac are framed by the rich greens of the leaves. The colors are set off to perfection by the pristine white sheen of the fine porcelain from which this set has been crafted. The fragrance of the lilac blossoms themselves seem to linger in the air!
In Japan, the lilac is thought to be a "garden treasure." It is thought to bring good feelings as well as fragrance to the table. The artists and artisans of the House of Okura have succeeded beautifully in creating this delicate effect. The East and West have been beautifully brought together in this delightful cup and saucer made of the finest porcelain.
The great porcelain houses of Japan have long been recognized for their marvelous designs and craftsmanship. In 1862, Japan participated for the first time in an international exhibition held in London. Within a year, the Japanese influence in the arts was to be found in all the porcelain centers of the Western World.
The House of Okura typifies the excellence in design which is such an integral part in the manufacturer of fine porcelain. In Japanese ceramics, as in all their art forms, there is a sense of position, a use of unfilled spaces, an asymmetrical balance in deign, and a vitality in brushwork.
Founded in 1919, Okura Art China has since created various products, which have been appreciated by Japanese people as the country's finest tableware. Known simply in Japan as "Okura China", Okura products are used at the Imperial Household Agency, the State Guesthouse for VIPs from abroad as well as first class hotels and restaurants.
All of these features have been beautifully incorporated into this fine porcelain cup and saucer. Although he lilac design is European, the House of Okura has treated this rendition with all the subtlety of design that has become as much their trademark as the Okura symbol.
This fine bone china demitasse teacup measures 1.75" tall, 2.5" in diameter at the tea cup lip and 3" from the tip of the teacup handle to the outside tip of the teacup. The matching saucer measures 4.75" in diameter. Both are in excellent condition with no chips, cracks or repairs and are marked on the bases with DESIGNED & PRODUCED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE DANBURY MINT, OKURA, JAPAN.
A2083 - Vintage OKURA Porcelain China Demitasse Teacup / Tea Cup & Saucer Set LILAC
$20.00
