To Explain LITHOPHANE.     Modern lithophanes were first produced in Europe during the 1820s. Their name comes from the greek words litho and phainen which mean “to cause to appear.” The original process to create lithophanes, called email ombrant, was first developed by a Frenchman named Paul de Bourging in 1827. A Brit named Robert Griffith Jones bought the right to produce lithophanes in 1828 and sold production licenses to English factories. Hundreds of thousands of lithophanes were made in the 1800s throughout Europe and in United States. Some scholars suggest that the idea originally came from China during the Tang or Ming Dynasties, but there is no known lithophane plaque produced anywhere in China prior to 1800 

A similar cup appeared on the Antiques Roadshow and was valued 80 / 100 pounds !

With this set - if you hold the cup up to the light - the 'Lithophane' Geisha ladies face appears.   A very old technique.                                                                                                                                                                                                            

STAMPED KUTONI ON BASE 

                                    

 This beautiful trio set is a stunning example of 1920s Japanese bone china design. The round shape cup, saucer and plate are all hand painted with  lithopane of a Geisha girl and an Enchantress. The multicoloured design  intricate gold and blue on the edges is perfect for all occasions and is handmade. Perfect for collectors and those who appreciate the beauty of Japanese design, this Trio set is suitable for hot beverages with a capacity of 200ml. The set includes a cup, saucer and small tea plate.