A Japanese Teaware set that is probably Kutani Lithophane.
by Carol-Ann McGuire (Quebec, Canada)
Kutani Lithophane Japanese Teaware - This example by AntiqueMarks.com
A Set of Japanese Teaware that, when you are drinking and point the cups towards the light a Japanese women will appear at the bottom of the cup.
It was given to my grandmother who is 86 years old today.
It was given to her by my grandfather when he returned home from the second world war.
Supposedly the set comes from Kobe, Japan and was hand crafted. It is all hand painted.
I hold no sentimental value for it and I would like to get rid of it.
However, I was wondering if it was worth anything?
Comments on Carol-Ann's Japanese Tea Ware
Tea cup face by: Andrew
I purchased a cup and saucer with a Japanese lady's face in the bottom of the tea cup. Price? £1.
It would cost more for a packet of tea bags, so I don't think I can sell it on for a fortune. That said, it is an unusual cup/saucer duo and one that I have only seen on two occasions whilst on my market ventures in the UK and Spain.
The stamp mark on the saucer is of a crown, with 3 stars and leaves either side, initialed S.S. The plate and cup depicts bamboo, trees, house, mountains overlooking a Lake.
Japanese tea ware cups by: carol
I have an exact same set of 6 cups and saucers given to me when I was young over 50 years ago now, each cup has a different ladies face on the inside of the cup.
Very beautiful but very delicate. I would be interested in the maker and value also.
FOR SALE by: Carol-Ann
Is anyone interested in purchasing this set...as it is for sale
Please call me@450-492-5463
Beautiful tea ware by: Anonymous
It is a beautiful set. you should be able to sell it.
Japanese Tea Ware by: Anonymous
No value for something so beautiful. You must be a nut case.
Japanese Teaset by: Anonymous
I am in the same situation - passed down, but no value only sentimental value to me.
Is yours blue/gold dragon motif? Did you find out if it is worth anything?
There is an auction site with the same style Japanese teaware up for bid starting at $50 with a placed value of $100 to $300, but there isn't any activity/bids on it.
Cheryllyne Vaz
Hi there,
I just spoke to a Japanese friend of mine. These tea cups were traditionally used to drink green tea or brown tea. When you look through the tea water, the image stands out stronger. So as the drinker was sipping their tea, they could also admire the image.
Hope this info. helps.
Cheryllyne
SANDRA BURDICK
I have an eight piece set of this china with the ladies face in the bottom of each cup . I have the teapot sugar bowl and creamer with 8 dessert plates, 8 tea cups and saucers. It is very beautiful with birds on limbs and flowers. I would like to sell the set. A friend brought it back from Japan and they paid $1,800.00 for it years ago. If anyone one is interested call me at 936 878 7805 LUFKIN, TEXAS
Sue
I have a set of 6 cups & saucers, teapot/lid, sugar/lid and jug. looks like they are hand painted with lithophane (ladies face in each cup). handed down from my grandparents, probably early 20 century. Its a shame but you don't see these items demanding a good price, hopefully with time they will increase in desirability.