Online Pamono Coffee or Tea Cups in Satsuma Porcelain, 1930s, Set of 15

Satsuma porcelain, Nakasima, 20th century – Japan

Delicate Satsuma porcelain, a six-piece tea or coffee set. Cherry, blue, and ochre tones predominate. The main motif features the goddess Kannon surrounded by Buddhist monks. She is the goddess of compassion, venerated for her symbolism of mercy and her commitment to helping living beings.

Japanese Satsuma porcelain originates from the province on the island of Kyushu. The history of this type of porcelain begins in the 17th century, when Prince Shimazu Yoshihiro invited various artisans to settle in the region. These artisans introduced various decoration and glazing techniques. During the Edo period (1603–1868), this porcelain enjoyed a boom and became quite popular both in Japan and abroad. It became a symbol of status and refinement, and was highly prized by the Japanese aristocracy and by European and American collectors.

This type of porcelain has a smooth, creamy glaze, sometimes decorated with intricate hand-painted designs. The decorative motifs are usually human figures, natural landscapes, flowers, and birds. They can also be embellished with reliefs or gold and silver appliqués, which add luxury and sophistication.

This set features the figure of a Japanese lady or Geisha, which can only be seen against the light on the bottom of the cups.

The reliefs on this coffee set are hand-painted using the Japanese “moriage” technique. This technique requires considerable time and dedication, as layers of glaze are applied, one on top of the other, to create three-dimensional effects. The technique began to be used in the 1700s and was used on Japanese pieces until the end of the 18th century, but it began to be exported to the United States in the 1880s. Moriage was one of the favorite motifs of the Japanese period (1890-1921), and Japanese makers continued to use this technique until the 1960s.

Material: Satsuma porcelain
Manufacture: Nakasima
Period: 20th century
Country of origin: Japan
Good condition commensurate with age and use
Detailed dimensions (15 pieces)
(6) Cup: 4 x 9 x 7.5 cm
(6) Saucer: 1.5 x 11.5 cm
(1) Teapot: 15 x 19 x 11 cm
(1) Milk jug: 12 x 13.5 x 9 cm
(1) Sugar bowl: 12 x 13 x 9 cm