Espresso Cup Appraisal

Vienna St. Stephen's Cathedral Porcelain Espresso Cup

This is a small, ornate porcelain demitasse or espresso cup, characterized by its vibrant aesthetic. The cup is primarily white porcelain, with a lustrous, iridescent quality visible on the interior and bottom of the foot. The exterior, particularly the upper rim and the handle, is heavily gilded with what appears to be a rich, reflective gold finish. The gilding on the handle has a textured, possibly bark-like or gnarled pattern, indicating a decorative rather than purely functional design. A significant feature is the transfer-printed image on the side, depicting an architectural landscape, likely a famous landmark. The text "WIEN STEPHANSDOM" is clearly visible above this image, identifying the subject as St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, thus marking it as a souvenir piece. The base of the cup features a prominent maker's mark within a green, shield-like or gothic-shaped outline. Within this mark, the letters "J K W" are visible, with 'W' situated below 'JK', suggesting the manufacturer JK Wien or a variant thereof, a known producer of fine porcelain. The overall condition appears good, with the gilding largely intact, though there might be minor signs of wear consistent with age and handling. No significant chips, cracks, or repairs are evident from the provided image. The craftsmanship of the gilding and the clarity of the transfer print indicate a quality souvenir item, likely from the early to mid-20th century given the style and typical production of such items.