This is an authentic, hand-painted Japanese porcelain demitasse cup and matching saucer set featuring a highly detailed, raised Moriage dragon motif (traditionally referred to as Dragonware). The body exhibits an intricate, mottled gray and white "smoke cloud" slip background, providing high visual depth against the vibrant orange, green, and cream raised enamel of the coiled dragon. Heavy gold gilt accents adorn the handle, rims, and base ring.

Item Specifications

• Material: Fine Porcelain / Eggshell Bone China

• Technique: Hand-painted slip background with tube-applied Moriage detailing and hand-gilded rims.

• Origin: Made in Occupied Japan (MIOJ)

• Age/Period: Post-WWII Occupation Era (Circa 1945–1952)

• Dimensions:

• Cup: 2.25" Height × 2.75" Top Diameter

• Saucer: 4.75" Diameter

• Backstamp/Markings: Features the classic orange underglaze backstamp consisting of a laurel wreath enclosing a stylized crown/crest monogram, flanked by "Hand Painted" above and "MADE IN / OCCUPIED JAPAN" below.

Condition Report

• Overall: Excellent vintage condition with zero structural damage.

• Porcelain: Free of chips, cracks, hairline fractures, or impact flea bites.

• Surface Decor: The raised Moriage beading is structurally intact and clean.

• Gilding: Minor, age-appropriate thinning to the bright gold gilt rim trim and handle from light handling, consistent with mid-century age.

• Glaze: Clean, glossy interior glaze. Original underglaze manufacturing marks or kiln spots common to post-war utility porcelain are visible on the base surfaces.

Reference

Book Title: The Collector's Encyclopedia of Occupied Japan Collectibles

Author: Florence Archambault

Page Context: Pages dedicated to post-war Japanese ceramic exports outline the distinctive "Hand Painted / Made in Occupied Japan" laurel wreath backstamps used by export kilns between 1945 and 1952.Shipping calculated by eBay/USPS/UPS based on your ZIP code.

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