Forget-Me-Not Teacup and Saucer Set with Pale Yellow Ground and Gilt Trim
Decorative art, specifically ceramic teaware (bone china cup and saucer) • Produced by a commercial English or European porcelain manufacturer (such as Paragon, Royal Albert, or similar Staffordshire potteries)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Traditional / Mid-Century Domestic Decorative Arts
Medium & Technique
Glazed fine bone china with transfer-printed or hand-painted floral enamel decoration and hand-applied gilded (gold leaf or metallic lustre) rim and accents
Creation Period
Mid-20th century, likely circa 1950s - 1970s
Dimensions & Format
Standard teacup and saucer set; saucer diameter approximately 5.5 inches (14 cm), teacup height approximately 2.5 inches (6 cm)
Subject Description
Floral still life and botanical motif featuring clusters of blue forget-me-not flowers with green foliage over a soft, pale yellow gradient background and scalloped edges
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The ceramic body appears intact with vibrant colors and mostly intact gilding, though wrapped in clear plastic tape for retail sale.
Estimated Market Value
$15 - $35
Auction Estimate
$10 - $25
Provenance History
Acquired from a thrift retailer (visible Goodwill price tag of $1.99 applied over plastic wrap); likely passed through private domestic ownership before secondary retail donation
Art Historical Significance
Representative of mid-20th century mass-produced domestic porcelain culture, reflecting the post-WWII popularity of floral motifs and gilded fine bone china tea sets for middle-class households
Notable Features
Scalloped rim on the saucer, ornate scroll-shaped handle with gilt detailing, and a pale yellow interior/base wash contrasting with the crisp white porcelain
Condition Issues
Minor surface adhesive residue from the price sticker on the plastic wrap; potential minor wear to the gilding rim consistent with age, though obscured by packaging
Conservation Recommendations
Remove plastic wrap and adhesive residue gently using warm water and mild soap; hand wash only to preserve delicate enamel and gilding; store safely in a padded cabinet to prevent chipping