Antique & Vintage Hand Painted Reticulated Porcelain Teacups and Saucers Set- 18 Pieces

Description

Napco Ceramic (stamped C-5316), Wales, 2 by Cherry China, 2 by Nippon Yoko Boeki Co, Norcrest Fine China (Birthday Cup … more Napco Ceramic (stamped C-5316), Wales, 2 by Cherry China, 2 by Nippon Yoko Boeki Co, Norcrest Fine China (Birthday Cup - November - Topaz - C-133), one unknown maker with mark shaped like wings, Lipper & Mann Creations (Royal Halsey – Very Fine).

"National Potteries corporation (also known as Napco) was started in 1938 in Bedford, OH. Napco was initially a producer of decorative floral containers, but they soon began importing items like glassware, pottery, and ceramic items from Japan. Much to the chagrin of the American based pottery companies that opened after WWII, Japanese ceramic imports peaked from 1956 to the early 1960’s and it is estimate that this is the time period that many of the figurines were produced. Napco has held the interest of collectors because the ceramic items are consistently well-designed. Napco used multiple manufacturer marks for their head-vases and figurines with some being transfer marks and others being paper labels. The following could be found on their paper labels: "A Napco Collection," "Napco Originals by Giftware," "National Potteries Co., Cleveland, OH, Made in Japan," and "Napcoware, Import Japan." The “Napcoware” figurines, which are seen as being lesser in quality by some collectors, but this is not a universal consensus."

"Norcrest China Company began as a small curio/gift shop owned by Japanese immigrant businessman Hide Naito. H. Naito Gifts opened its doors in 1921. It sold Japanese-imported porcelain décor and other tchotchkes. The business collapsed in the face of persecution of the family during World War II, but was reopened in the late 1940s, specializing in Asian “Made in Occupied Japan” gifts. Unlike others that just imported preexisting products, Naito received pieces specifically made for his business. In 1955, the father-son duo renamed the company Northwest Trading Co. With the addition of Hide’s other son, Bill, they incorporated the business three years later as the Norcrest China Company. Now specializing in whimsical and realistic ceramic collectibles of animals, elves, ballerinas, etc., Norcrest merchandise was sold in Woolworths drug stores and specialty stores nationwide. Hide died in 1996. Sam and Bill kept the company alive until Norcrest shuttered for good in 2004."

"Lipper & Mann began in 1946 as an importer of fine glass and ceramic items imported from Czechoslovakia and other European countries. In 1949 they began begins importing porcelain and earthenware items from Japan including figurines, teacups and saucers, tea kettles, dinnerware sets, and other tableware serving items. In 1963, Mr. Lipper purchases full interest of the company from Mr. Mann and the corporate name is changed to Lipper International, Inc. Over the years, their collections expanded to include wood and metalware. The company continues to operate to the present day."

Dimensions:
5.75" x 3" (Diameter x Height) less