Founded in 1866 by Ashley Abraham Vantine, this emporium of Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Turkish, and Persian imports, known as The Oriental Store (see their catalogs online), AA Vantine and Co. captivated American consumers from the start.
This Seto porcelain moriage teacup/saucer set, created by "the greatest ceramic artists of the day" is an art deco delight of incredibly vivid hand painted green blue, brown, yellow, tan, and red, bordered by black trim with white stitch trim. In keeping with the earthy, floral theme, the textured handles reflect the Basho (banana) plant leaf.
With its bright, fresh colors, this 100+ year old collection strikes one as if new, bold in design, sturdy in appearance, the light grey porcelain of each piece is delicately transparent when held against light, an amazing testament to early 20th century Japanese porcelain artistry.
We were incredibly lucky to find information on this set through online preservation of Vantine and Co.'s 1917 Catalogue (source: archive.org). Carefully straw-wrapped in crate boxes from Vantine's studios in Nagoya, Japan, and originally sold as a 15 piece set, these eight pieces are as pictured on page 80, item number 5482.
Origin: Seto/Nagoya, Japan, 1917; pre-owned
Dimensions/ Quantity:
3 Teacups: 2"H x 3 3/4"W
3 Saucers: 5 1/2"W
1 Sugar Bowl w/ Lid: 4 1/2"H x 2 1/8"W
1 Creamer: 4"H x 1 3/4" W Opening
Condition: Great. There are no chips, cracks, stains, or repairs. There is some black spotting from manufacturing, noted on the inside of one teacup and on the saucer backsides.
Teacups are like small pieces of jewelry-they tell a story, they are displayed, shown off with pride, and prized from one generation to another. Like jewelry the time comes when such beauties are not so 'minty" young. And yet these lovely items have lasted so long for a reason.
They are still in their prime. Seasoned with time-honored character.
Our goods are unique, quality time pieces of the past which have been inspected, researched and carefully handled to be prized. We will never sell any teacups with cracks or major damages. Our condition findings, along with our photos, are detailed as thorough and honestly as we can see, as your satisfaction is our main priority.