Sake Cup Appraisal

Japanese Imari-Style Porcelain Teacup/Sake Cup

This exquisite small cup, likely a Japanese teacup or sake cup, is crafted from porcelain with a delicately crackled off-white glaze providing a refined textural background. The cup features intricate hand-painted polychrome decoration in an Imari or Kutani style, characterized by a rich palette of primary colors accented with gold. The central motif appears to be two peacocks or pheasants with detailed plumage in shades of green, gold, blue, and black, interspersed with a vibrant floral and foliage design. Prominent flowers include large reddish-orange peonies or chrysanthemums and smaller white and yellow chrysanthemums, alongside green leaves and delicate red accent lines. The gold detailing liberally applied to the birds' feathers and floral elements enhances the luxurious aesthetic. A distinctive dark red band encircles the lower portion of the cup, just above the foot rim, adding a contrasting detail. The cup is relatively small, designed to be held comfortably in the palm of a hand, indicating it is intended for sipping tea or sake. The porcelain exhibits a fine, almost translucent quality, suggesting good craftsmanship. The presence of fine crackling in the glaze (crazing) is visible and characteristic of certain types of Japanese ceramics, potentially indicating age or a specific firing technique. No obvious chips, cracks, or repairs are discernible from the available images, and the colors appear vibrant and well-preserved. Without a view of the base, specific maker's marks or signatures cannot be identified, which would typically help in pinpointing its exact origin and age. However, based on the decorative style, it likely dates from the late 19th to mid-20th century, a period when such ornate ceramic wares were popular, particularly for export.