Vintage Noritake Morimura Brothers Hand Painted Landscape Teacup
Noritake (Morimura Brothers) · Kitchenware > Teacups & Saucers / Collectibles > Vintage Bone China
Era / Decade
1920s to Early 1930s. The red 'M in Wreath' mark with 'Handpainted Made in Japan' was specifically utilized by the Morimura Brothers/Noritake during this period prior to the use of 'Occupied Japan' marks.
Material
Fine porcelain (Bone China) with gold-gilded handle and hand-painted enamel. High-quality thin-walled ceramic typical of early Japanese export wares.
Condition
Good. Visible shelf wear on the bottom unglazed ring. The gold gilding on the handle shows some minor thinning or rubbing. No visible chips or cracks from this angle, but the paint surface should be checked for micro-scratches.
Demand Level
Moderate. There is a steady niche of Noritake collectors, though demand is higher for full sets (cup and saucer) than individual cups.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
Low: $12, Mid: $22, High: $38 (High value assumes matching saucer is present; individual cups sell for less).
Estimated Retail Value
$45.00 - $65.00 (comparable high-end artisan teacups today)
Comparable Sales
Recent individual Noritake 'M' mark cups with landscape patterns have sold for $15-$25 on eBay. Full cup and saucer sets in this pattern typically reach $35-$55 depending on condition.
Description
Authentic vintage Morimura Brothers Noritake teacup featuring a classic hand-painted landscape scene. This piece exhibits the vibrant sunset-orange lusterware finish popular in the early 20th century, complemented by a gold-leafed handle. The bottom bears the historic red 'M' wreath stamp, signifying it was made for the Morimura export market.
Key Features
Hand-painted scenic artwork; recognizable Morimura Brothers backstamp; gold-gilded handle; popular sunset/landscape motif; high collectibility for Noritake enthusiasts.
Authenticity Indicators
Backstamp is consistent with the 1920s Moritake 'M' mark style; porcelain translucent quality; hand-painted brushstroke texture; High Confidence.
Flaws to Note
Gilding wear on handle; bottom rim scuffing; minor enamel loss possible on the exterior landscape; missing matching saucer which significantly impacts total set value.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for reaching international collectors), Etsy (good for vintage aesthetics), or Replacements, Ltd. (for direct sale if they are low on stock).
Selling Tips
Use keywords like 'Morimura Bros', 'M in Wreath', 'Hand Painted', and 'Nippon Era'. Photograph the cup against a light and dark background to show paint detail. Ship with double-boxing to ensure the fragile porcelain doesn't shatter.