I have researched all weekend on the computer and cannot match either the signature mark or the pattern to any of the Lithophaned teasets I have found on the web. The shape and gold gilt detail closely resemble some of the "Kutani" tea sets and the pattern is very close to "Hayashi". However, most of the landscapes depicted on Kutani/Hayashi sets contain an image of Mt. Fuji in the background, where as this landscape does not. History of Kutani tells that many of the painters moved around a lot and some were short-lived in their career. Also, apparently China was copying much of the porcelain works of Japan - right down to the signature mark. The only character that I could discern in the signature mark is that of "mountain", which I have often seen in family names.
Description
Category
Ceramics and Porcelains
Medium
Porcelain
Distinguishing marks
Japanese Symbols, unable to read or match
Condition
Excellent
Date Period
1940's
History
I found this at a garage sale. The lady who was selling it said that a "friend" had given it to her husband and she didn't know anything else about it or its worth.
eBay Auction Link
For Sale?
No