Period Decorative Arts Appraisal

Japanese Satsuma-Style Miniature Decorative Cup

This appears to be a small, miniature Japanese Satsuma-style porcelain cup or thimble-sized decorative vessel, likely an espresso cup or a sake cup (guinomi). Its compact size is indicated by its direct proportionality to the human hand holding it. The cup features intricate hand-painted polychrome enamels and extensive gilding, characteristic of Satsuma ware. The primary decorative motif visible depicts two male figures, possibly samurai or historical personages, with distinct facial features and elaborate traditional attire. One figure, on the left, has a dark complexion and a serene expression, while the figure on the right, with a lighter complexion, has a mustache and a more animated stance. Their robes are richly detailed with geometric patterns and floral motifs in vibrant blues, reds, greens, and gold, indicative of high-quality craftsmanship. The overall background color appears to be a warm ochre or gold, contributing to the item's opulent aesthetic. The rim of the cup is heavily gilded, suggesting a luxurious finish. The small handle on the side also appears to be gilded. The surface texture exhibits a raised, tactile quality due to the thick application of enamels and moriage (raised slip decoration) often seen in Satsuma pieces. While the specific maker's mark is not visible, the style strongly suggests a late 19th to early 20th century Japanese origin, a period when Satsuma ware was highly popular for export. The condition appears to be relatively good, with no obvious chips or cracks, although minor wear to the gilding or enamels might be present upon closer inspection, given its apparent age. The level of detail and color saturation point to a piece of good artistic quality.