Franklin Porcelain Japanese Teacup | Kachō Jūnikagetsu | 1985

Vintage Japanese porcelain teacup from 1985 by Franklin Porcelain, from the limited series Kachō Jūnikagetsu, or “Flowers and Birds of the Twelve Months”.

This piece depicts a refined Japanese autumn scene with three quails among grasses and flowering plants. The characteristic plumes of Japanese pampas grass, susuki, protrude above the low vegetation. Several small flowers are incorporated among the greenery, including blue bell-shaped flowers that likely represent kikyō.

The combination of quails and autumn grasses aligns with traditional Japanese kachō-e, art in which flowers and birds together depict the changing of the seasons. Susuki and kikyō are also among the classic seven autumn grasses of Japan.

The fine polychrome illustration is framed at the top and bottom by cobalt blue geometric decorative bands and subtle gold-colored trim.

The underside bears the original Japanese Franklin Porcelain mark with the series name 花鳥十二ヵ月, the limited edition designation, © 1985 FP and JAPAN.

Part of a twelve-piece collector's series, with each cup featuring its own flower and bird illustration.

Details

• Brand: Franklin Porcelain
• Series: 花鳥十二ヵ月, Kachō Jūnikagetsu
• English meaning: Flowers and Birds of the Twelve Months
• Motif: quails among Japanese autumn grasses
• Plants: including susuki and likely kikyō
• Year: 1985
• Period: Shōwa period
• Origin: Japan
• Material: high-quality porcelain
• Decoration: polychrome nature scene
• Finish: cobalt blue decorative bands and gold accents
• Edition: limited edition
• Condition: very good vintage condition without damage
• Underside: originally marked with Franklin Porcelain, series name, © 1985 FP and JAPAN
• Part of a series of twelve different versions