Damara Tajimi Made in Occupied Japan Teacup and Saucer

This is a vintage porcelain teacup and saucer set featuring a distinctive 'Made in Occupied Japan' backstamp, dating its manufacture specifically between 1947 and 1952. The set is crafted from white fine porcelain and decorated with delicate multi-colored floral sprays in shades of violet, orange, and blue. The design is framed by a cobalt blue and gold lattice-style geometric border around the rim of both pieces. The teacup is presented in an inverted position, revealing its footed base and the primary hallmark. The mark includes a red and gold crest with 'Damara' and 'Tajimi' text. The overall construction displays characteristic mid-century Japanese export quality, including hand-gilded gold accents on the rims and handle. Condition-wise, the pieces appear well-preserved with minor shelf wear on the foot rim and some slight fading or rubbing to the gold gilt edge, which is common for ceramics of this age. The translucency of the porcelain suggests a high-fired quality typical of the Tajimi region's ceramic production during the post-WWII reconstruction period.

I have virtually examined this Damara Tajimi teacup and saucer set. Based on the distinctive backstamp, I have verified its production during the Allied Occupation of Japan (1947–1952). The cobalt blue lattice work and hand-gilded accents are representative of the Gifu Prefecture’s high-fire porcelain output. My inspection of the images shows the porcelain body remains bright with no visible 'spidering' or deep cracks, though I observe light 'flea bites' on the foot rim and typical shelf wear that follows 70+ years of storage. The 'Occupied Japan' (OJ) market remains a steady niche, though prices have stabilized significantly since the peak of the 1990s. While Tajimi-produced items are respected for their ceramic quality, Damara is a more common export brand. Comparables for similar lattice-pattern sets generally sell in the $30-$50 range; however, the presence of the original matching saucer and the relative integrity of the gold gilt on the handle elevate this specific set slightly. Factors impacting value include the saturated cobalt pigment, which remains a favorite among collectors, and the specific 'Tajimi' regional mark. The primary limitation of this appraisal is the inability to perform a 'ping test' to check for internal structural fractures or to examine the glaze under a long-wave UV light for professional restorations. Authenticity is strongly suggested by the wear patterns and hallmark style, but a physical inspection would be required to rule out modern reproductions. Provenance documentation, such as an original export invoice or purchase history from the mid-century period, could further solidify its historical value.