📝 Description
A striking vintage Japanese cup and saucer set, beautifully hand-painted with two red-crowned cranes in flight against a bright turquoise blue patterned background resembling cloisonné enamel.
The design features intricate black-outlined patterning and rich glaze tones typical of mid-20th-century Japanese export pottery.
Both pieces are signed in red kanji script beneath the glaze.
The crane (“tsuru”) is a symbol of longevity and good fortune in Japanese culture, making this an elegant decorative or collectable set.
 
⭐ Features
✔️ Origin: Japan
✔️ Technique: Hand-painted underglaze
✔️ Design: Flying cranes on a turquoise blue background
✔️ Markings: Red signature mark to base (kanji characters)
✔️ Material: Glazed earthenware/pottery
✔️ Style: Cloisonné-inspired or Satsuma-style decoration
✔️ Era: Mid 20th century (c. 1950–1970s)
 
📏 Dimensions (approx.)
Cup height: 6.5 cm
Cup diameter: 7 cm (excluding handle)
Saucer diameter: 13.5 cm
 
⚠️ Condition
Good vintage condition overall
Some light crazing throughout the glaze (common for age)
Minor wear to painted areas and small loss to saucer glaze edge (see detailed photos)
No structural cracks or repairs
Beautiful display piece with vibrant colour and fine hand detailing.
 
🧠 Background
Japanese artisans often produced these cloisonné-effect wares using slip-trailing and outlining techniques to mimic enamel work.
The crane motif appears frequently in mid-century Japanese ceramics for its associations with peace, fidelity, and long life.