I have done some research on the markings of the inside box and am pretty sure it was made in Seoul, Korea (now known as Jongno, Seoul) about 1910-1945. Possibly during Japan's annexation.
The box reads: gold, silver, platinum and art dealer.
Keijou Shouro and his mark.
Seoul, Korea.
Yuushin Shoukai and the shop or company name with telegraph or phone number 1829.
A little background. This was from an estate auction and from talking to the owners son his father served in the Korean war.
What would you call this tea cup set? Is it something that they would take with them if they traveled? Or would it be something they would have kept at home? I can not find anything like it in my research. Can someone shine some light on this?
http://i.imgur.com/dggOX.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/mAKEP.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/gnCVyHF.jpg
(admin photo edit - remember to use the preview button)
Small decorated Japanese silver cup and saucer in black box
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ResearchMum
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Tue Aug 13, 2013 11:39 am
Re: Small decorated Japanese silver cup and saucer in black
Welcome to the forum.
I believe your research is correct. Silver tea cup and saucer, made in Seoul during the Japanese annexation, retailed by Yuushin Shoukai, with a jungin mark in Chinese characters to the underside of the cup. Of course, the Chinese characters for "Yuushin Shoukai" are here transliterated according to the Japanese reading, and would be transliterated differently in Korean.
Older Korean silver is quite challenging to positively identify, as often the desired information is found on a presentation box (usually long lost), with a minimum of marks to the actual object. How wonderful to see a piece of Korean silver in its original box.
I do not think this was designed as a traveling teacup per se, but simply as a fancy teacup to be given as a gift. I have seen many Korean silver tea sets like this, usually a teapot and cups, sometimes with engraved presentation inscriptions. The box would have been an absolute necessity in order to present this teacup as a gift. You are probably already aware of the etiquette and importance of gift-giving in Korea (as well as in other Asian cultures), but for those who are not, googling "gift giving" and "Korea" should bring up a wealth of information.
Regards,
David R
I believe your research is correct. Silver tea cup and saucer, made in Seoul during the Japanese annexation, retailed by Yuushin Shoukai, with a jungin mark in Chinese characters to the underside of the cup. Of course, the Chinese characters for "Yuushin Shoukai" are here transliterated according to the Japanese reading, and would be transliterated differently in Korean.
Older Korean silver is quite challenging to positively identify, as often the desired information is found on a presentation box (usually long lost), with a minimum of marks to the actual object. How wonderful to see a piece of Korean silver in its original box.
I do not think this was designed as a traveling teacup per se, but simply as a fancy teacup to be given as a gift. I have seen many Korean silver tea sets like this, usually a teapot and cups, sometimes with engraved presentation inscriptions. The box would have been an absolute necessity in order to present this teacup as a gift. You are probably already aware of the etiquette and importance of gift-giving in Korea (as well as in other Asian cultures), but for those who are not, googling "gift giving" and "Korea" should bring up a wealth of information.
Regards,
David R
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ResearchMum
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Tue Aug 13, 2013 11:39 am
Re: Small decorated Japanese silver cup and saucer in black
Thank you for your help. I always try to find what I can about a object and place that information to the box where it is kept if not being displayed. Somehow this Korean Veteran was given, found, or purchased this box and now the history is just lost. Wish I knew the answers. I'll just kept it in memory of my Father who served in the Korean war and when I am gone it can hopefully go to someone who will care for it. Thanks again for your help.