RC Japan | Rosalie | Demitasse Set | Porcelain | Japan, c.1950s–1970s

The rose has been painted onto porcelain for as long as porcelain has existed, and it has never once outstayed its welcome.

Royal China & Novelty Co., trading under the mark RC Japan, was a mid-twentieth century Japanese manufacturer producing fine porcelain for both domestic and export markets. Working during a period when Japanese ceramics manufacturers were supplying much of the world's decorative tableware, RC Japan developed a reputation for well-executed floral patterns on a clean white ground, combining the visual language of European porcelain traditions with the precision of Japanese production. The Rosalie pattern sits comfortably within this tradition, drawing on the allover rose-sprig style associated with French and English fine china while giving it a distinctly Japanese lightness of execution. The green laurel wreath backstamp is consistent with RC Japan's mid-century production period.

The Rosalie pattern covers the exterior of each cup and the border of each saucer with a continuous scatter of pink rose clusters and small open blooms on trailing stems, rendered in clear pink against a warm white ground with olive-green foliage. An upper band of gold trellis-work with pendant scrolled motifs runs below the gilt rim on the cups, giving the design a formal frame that anchors the allover floral field. The same trellis cartouche appears at intervals around the saucer border. The cups are of a footed demitasse form with a rounded bowl and a small loop handle; the saucers are generously proportioned relative to the cup, with a wide decorated border and a fine gilt edge.

All twelve pieces are in mint condition. There are no chips, cracks, or crazing. The gilding is intact throughout with no wear, including to the cup feet and saucer rims.

Key Details

• Maker: RC Japan (Royal China & Novelty Co.)
• Pattern: Rosalie
• Form: Demitasse Set (six cups, six saucers)
• Material: Porcelain
• Country of Origin: Japan
• Period: c.1950s–1970s
• Condition: Mint; no chips, cracks, crazing or gilding wear

Mint condition is not the same as unused — it means that whatever life this set has lived, it has been lived with care.