The strange case of grannies cups.

Discussion in 'Pottery, Glass, and Porcelain' started by Alizon, Dec 11, 2018.

  1. Alizon

    Alizon New Member

    Alizon, Dec 11, 2018
    #1 + Quote Reply
    judy and Christmasjoy like this.
  2. Bakersgma

    Bakersgma Well-Known Member

    Yes, Japanese. Looks like eggshell porcelain with the translucence.

    A member who is an expert on Japanese ceramics just posted the other day about this kind of mark, saying that it expresses a number and not a name. I'll tag him to come look at your lovely cups! @Mat
     
    Bakersgma, Dec 11, 2018
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    judy, Any Jewelry and Christmasjoy like this.
  3. Bakersgma

    Bakersgma Well-Known Member

    Where were my manners?? Welcome, Alizon!

    One other thing I should mention is that the marks are more properly read top - down. The picture you posted needs to be turned about 90 degrees to the left - so what is now on the right side is oriented to 12 o'clock.
     
    Bakersgma, Dec 11, 2018
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  4. daveydempsey

    daveydempsey Moderator Moderator

    Hi Alizon,

    I have a very similar set, 48 pieces.
    I was told mine are dated 1928 from Japan

    I note you are in the UK like me.

    My set was brought home by my great uncle in the early 30's from Japan, he was on whaling ships and went to Japan to offload the whale oil.

    Where I live was a major whaling port so there were many sets brought home over the years and placed in china cabinets and never to be used, so a lot survived.

    Its amazing how many survived WWII bombing too.

    I was told these are worth a little more inland in the UK away from the fishing ports were they are not so common.

    I have no idea on value.

    20181212_011009-tile.jpg
     
    daveydempsey, Dec 11, 2018
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    judy, Any Jewelry, komokwa and 2 others like this.
  5. Alizon

    Alizon New Member

    Hi Davey and thank you! Yes, my grandmother received hers as a wedding present in 1934 as a gift from her uncle who, like yours, was on whaling ships! How marvellous is that!
    You live in the north-east like me? I'm in County Durham but grew up in Marske with Eston our nearest whale 'dispensary' (ouch)!
    Lovely to know I have the dates right

    Thanks kazillions......
     
    Alizon, Dec 12, 2018
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  6. daveydempsey

    daveydempsey Moderator Moderator

    I was around that area last year, Saltburn.
    What a coincidence.:D
     
    daveydempsey, Dec 12, 2018
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  7. daveydempsey

    daveydempsey Moderator Moderator

    I've just spoken to my Dad about this.

    He said the whaling ships used to go down to the South Atlantic around the Falkland Isles, catch the whales, process them and then sail to Japan and sell them the flesh which the Japanese used to eat.
    It was whilst they were in Japan the crew bought the goodies.
    The oil remained on board and was pumped ashore when they got back to Hull.

    My Dad said he used to cycle to the docks in the late 20's to greet the ship and went onboard, he said the smell was horrific.
     
    daveydempsey, Dec 12, 2018
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    Alizon, i need help, judy and 1 other person like this.
  8. Ownedbybear

    Ownedbybear Well-Known Member

    davey, these sets were also, quite literally, used as ballast!
     
    Ownedbybear, Dec 12, 2018
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    Alizon, i need help and judy like this.
  9. Mat

    Mat Well-Known Member

    The maker's mark reads "Maruni"...
     
    Mat, Dec 14, 2018
    #9 + Quote Reply
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