Once again here I am with more mystery objects. But in contrast to the watch I posted about awhile back, I have even less information about this set of two espresso cups and saucers. They look very distinctive, but neither the cups nor the saucers bear any labels or maker’s marks.
As best I can tell, they aren’t porcelain; surprising because I’ve never seen crockery with such elaborate decoration that wasn’t. The gold filigree work, if that’s what you call it, seems to be under the glaze, although the gold edging on the rims and handles appears not to be.
Oh no, that’s impossible. Perhaps it doesn’t show up well in the image, but they were obviously made by a professional, or by some kind of automated process run by people who produce crockery for a living.
I never did. We only did hand building or wheel thrown pieces. Either way, as mentioned since by the OP those cups look like they were made in a professional process.
I think this is some sort of buy premade, unglazed, cups and saucers and decorate to taste. Like a hobby class would do. No worry about actually creating the things, just have some fun glazing them to your taste.
Sponged on gold leaf really seems an amateur thing, not something a pro outfit would likely do.
