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I imagine this question has been asked a million times already... but I'm hoping someone might be able to help me with details about this teacup. I cannot even find a starting point for research, so any information would be phenomenal. Images are below (cup, inside, then bottom) and I'd really appreciate anything anyone could offer.

Hi Amanda & rat, I've run across this Japanese mark before as "Made by/at Shimamura" (島村製 - Shimamura Sei), with Shimamura being a place or surname. I'd guess the cup or mug was made around the late Meiji to Taisho period, or circa 1890-1920.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Ugh, quite correct Bill H, that's the dumbest error I've made in a while. Shoot me now!

Thank you so much for your replies! Bill - would you have any idea how I could determine the "value" of this cup? I've tried searching based on your response, and I can't seem to find anything online.

Thank you again!

I haven't seen a cup like this recently myself but did spot a similar looking pattern on an unsigned and undamaged 9-inch ewer in an antique mall today for US$70. Perhaps you can extrapolate what a cup would sell for, while keeping in mind that the mall prices are negotiable. Usually the only person looking for a single cup would be someone trying to find a replacement for a damaged one in their tea set.

Good luck,

Bill H.

Japanese, characters are pictured upside down, looks like it reads "manufactured by Torimura".

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