Description
This is a set of 5 sake cups. I say sake cups because I am not sure what else they could be. They are only 1 1/2 " tall so they are most likely for alcohol, not tea. I have no idea how old they are or if they are Chinese or Japanese. They are very light so I believe that they are most likely porcelain. They are a pretty burnt orange in color and the designs are made with gold colored paint. The designs look like clouds and a flying hat to me but I could be wrong. The inside of each cup is white. Instead of flat bottoms each cup has an arc shaped design that ends up making 3 feet/stands for the cups to stand on. You should be able to see this effect in the photographs. The only identifying mark is on the bottom of each cup. I have included a photograph of it. It may be a symbol or it may be Chinese or Japanese lettering. Any help is appreciated.
Category
Ceramics and Porcelains
Medium
Ceramic or porcelain? I am not sure. I am leaning toward porcelain because they are so light.
Distinguishing marks
There is a symbol or initials on the bottom of each cup. It could be a Chinese or Japanese signature. Unsure.
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
Each cup is 1 1/2" tall.
Date Period
Unknown.
Weight
Very light, probably only a few ounces per cup.
History
My mother gave me these when I got married. They were given to her by my father's parents. My grandfather was a US embassy guard in China at the start of WWII. He purchased several items and sent them back home before being taken as a POW for the duration of WWII.
Price Paid (If known)
Passed down from grandparents.
For Sale?
No
Photos
Re: Sake Cups?
they are sake cups,,,I do not see a picture of the signature or mark on the bottom...can you add another?
Re: Sake Cups?
Whoops! Sorry about forgetting that last photo of the signature mark. It has been added. Thanks for confirming that they are sake cups.