Details
Description
Whimsical, expressive, and wonderfully collectible, this set of four vintage “Man in the Moon” porcelain mugs captures the playful charm …
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Whimsical, expressive, and wonderfully collectible, this set of four vintage “Man in the Moon” porcelain mugs captures the playful charm of early 20th-century novelty ceramics. Each mug features a sculpted lunar face with wide watchful eyes, raised cheeks, and mischievous smiles—giving the set a lively personality that feels both nostalgic and slightly surreal.
Finished in a warm lusterware glaze, the porcelain has the characteristic glow associated with early Japanese export ceramics. The finish shows the subtle qualities typical of 1920s–early 1930s luster, including a soft peach, copper, and champagne-toned glow, a slightly muted metallic sheen, and small natural variations in the glaze where the finish appears gently uneven in tiny areas. These qualities are hallmarks collectors look for in earlier lusterware production.
Each mug is marked “Made in Japan” on the base. U.S. import regulations began requiring this phrase in 1921, and it was widely used on export ceramics until World War II. This places the mugs firmly within the 1921–1941 pre-war Japanese export period, with the style and glaze suggesting a likely production date in the late 1920s to early 1930s.
The sculptural design also reflects characteristics of earlier novelty molds from the 1920s–30s, which tend to feature more exaggerated facial features, deep molded lines, and slightly asymmetrical expressions. These qualities give each mug a unique character and highlight the playful artistry typical of novelty figural ceramics from the era.
The “Man in the Moon” motif has long appeared in folklore, nursery rhymes, and decorative arts, and it became a beloved design theme in early 20th-century ceramics. Pieces like these were often used as novelty drinkware for espresso, cocktails, or small servings, but today they are equally valued as charming display pieces.
Perfect for a vintage bar cart, eclectic kitchen shelf, or collector’s cabinet, this set combines sculptural appeal with the warm glow of classic Japanese lusterware.
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- Dimensions
- 2.75ʺW × 4ʺD × 2.75ʺH
- Period
- Early 20th Century
- Country of Origin
- Japan
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Porcelain
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Peach
- Condition Notes
- Good vintage condition consistent with age. One mug has a very small hairline crack, as shown in the photos. There … moreGood vintage condition consistent with age. One mug has a very small hairline crack, as shown in the photos. There is minor wear to the luster/glaze and a few small manufacturing imperfections typical of early Japanese porcelain, including slight glaze irregularities and tiny variations from the original firing process. These characteristics are consistent with hand-finished ceramics from the period and do not detract from the display appeal of the set. less
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