Item Report
Japanese Export Porcelain Mug with Floral Motif
By: K.C.G. (mark)
Style: Japanese Export Porcelain
Origin: Japan
Materials: Porcelain, enamel, gilt (gold paint)
Age: circa 1950-1970
Condition: Very Good (minimal wear, enamel and gilding largely intact, no obvious cracks or chips seen)
Value: $20–$40 (auction estimate)
Maker's Marks / Writing: Red stamp on base: K.C.G.
Date: 2025-06-26 17:52:22.981427
Description:
This is a porcelain mug, likely of Japanese origin, featuring enamel floral decoration with raised enamels and gold gilt highlights. The base bears a red rectangular maker's mark with the characters 'K.C.G.'—a mark associated with 20th-century Japanese export ceramics, likely from the post-WWII period (mid-late 20th century). The color palette includes deep maroon bands, white ground, and floral enamels. The handle appears to have some gold detailing.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This piece is a vintage Japanese export porcelain mug, notable for its raised enameling and gold highlights. Its maker's mark, K.C.G., is indicative of post-war Japanese ceramics aimed at the Western market. Such pieces remain collectible but are not rare, and condition, as well as decoration style, are key to value. No apparent signs of great age or hand-painted detail, which aligns with mass-produced export ware of this era. A word about fakes: mass-produced Japanese export ceramics rarely attract forgeries, but beware of sellers claiming pre-war origins when the marks and style indicate mid-century production.
Individual Images:
- The image shows the maker's mark
- which is clearly stamped in red underglaze
- typical of Japanese export marks from the mid-1900s. The up-close view of the handle and enamel detail shows minor wear consistent with age and use
- but no significant damage. Some light wear to the base and handle gilding is noted
- which helps authenticate the age.
Provenance:
No provenance provided.
Condition:
Very Good (minimal wear, enamel and gilding largely intact, no obvious cracks or chips seen)
Identification Score: 95%
High confidence due to identifying features: the K.C.G. mark, floral enamel style, and typical gold ornamentation are all consistent with mid-century Japanese export porcelain. The shape and construction further support this attribution.
Authenticity Score: 80%
There is strong evidence this is a genuine Japanese export piece from the mid-20th century, based on the mark and decoration style. Minor doubts reserved for potential later reproductions, but materials and wear appear appropriate.
Image Memory Note
Japanese mid-century export porcelain mug with K.C.G. mark and enamel floral highlights; gold on handle, red base stamp, very good condition.
Keywords
Japanese, porcelain, export, K.C.G., floral, enamel, 20th century, collectible mug, Japan
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