Eggshell porcelain | Lusterware | Nouveau/Deco Style Mocha Cup & Saucer

I have other eggshell items of the same colour peach in art deco style, but only one of these dainty little delights. It's joyously handpainted and probably dates from 1930s.

As with many cups made in Japan, symbology is important. The bluebird signifies love (or the foretelling of death, but you know, I prefer to interpret this one as the former...)

Notes:
Despite the variable quality of the artwork, eggshell porcelain itself is absurdly thin and superb. It is mostly made in the same way regardless of its destination, so usually the decor is where you'll see a bigger difference. Although eggshell porcelain was invented during the Song dynasty in China, modern eggshell china production began around 1915; which means most of the eggshell on the market today is vintage not antique. Most of the eggshell in second hand markets or from private individuals here in Sweden comes from Japan (look out for anything that resembles Mount Fuji either in the pattern or on the stamp :), although eggshell china is also produced of course, in China.