Interesting article: geisha lithophane cups

http://www.artifactcollectors.com/collectible-porcelain-geisha-lithophane-cups-614.html

Next time you see those thin japanese or chinese porcelain cups somewhere, hold them up against adequate light and you might be looking at a rare "elaborate geisha" or "posing nude geisha" in the bottom of the cup.

 

I put one on my Christmas wish list a few years ago. (I'd prefer a nude) I'll have to remind the wife I still want one LOL

 

I've only seen one once, and she was just a head shot.

 

Here's one on ebay. The exterior has an impressive dragon pattern: http://m.ebay.com/itm/JAPANESE-FULL...LD-DRAGON-DEMI-NAKED-CUP-SAUCER-/253087250209

 

That is so interesting. Had never heard of such a thing. Thanks so much for bringing to my attention. Will keep an eye out in future.

Debora

 

Not that rare, there are 126 examples for sale on ebay right now. Some full nudes, some head shot only.

 

Good to know.

Debora

 

The article I linked at the beginning mentions that certain designs are more rare and valuable than others. More details there.

The regular portrait type geisha ones are not rare and are considerably less valuable than the nudes and some other more unusual ones.

If you were to find one of the more rare ones at a charity shop for a buck, wouldn't you buy it? Regardless of that, the value vs. lack thereof wasn't meant as the "big wow" here, the cups are something different and worth mentioning I think.

 

I have geisha lithophane portrait set for sale atm, would love to have a more exotic set!

Btw, you also find saki cups with what looks like a marble in the bowl. Add water (or saki) and all.is revealed, and nude men seem to occur as frequently as nude women.

 

I found a short article on Collector's Weekly with a shot of a lithopane with two nude ladies. https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/84256-my-three-nudes-japan-cups-with-dragon