Pair of Abstract Moderne Faience Espresso Cups & Saucers

Each cup is impressed with `SECLA' and `PORTUGAL' on the flat foot ring where the opaque white faience glaze had been wiped off. According to one source, SECLA has been making fine ceramic tableware since 1947. The glaze has tin oxide in it to enhance the enameled decoration. The saucers have coarse crazing (a network of glaze crackling lines) in their glaze while the cups are without any crazing (see all photos). Crazing, for the uninitiated, is simply the result of differential expansion rates between a ceramic vessel's clay body and its overlying glaze. It is not the result of chipping or mishandling and occurs on glazed pottery from 500 years ago just as much as from the last 100 years. But in this particular case of the two saucers, the crazing appears to have been intentionally desired as an additional visual effect.

The saucers are also impressed with marks but the thick tin glaze has obscured any words. Each saucer also has hand written `MADE IN PORTUGAL', `HAND PAINTED', `No 215' and what looks like`Dec 49' and `Dec 79.' There is no hand writing on the cups. But, under the handle of one cup, there is what looks like a decorators personal mark or initial (see photo of handle close up). So if you collect individually painted abstract motifs on pottery in perfect mid 20th century abstract art moderne, then don't let these cups pass you by since who knows when you might see this same quality again. And as always, these items also come with Docs Antiques `no fault' satisfaction guarantee or you may return them as per my return policy for a refund (see Terms of service for full details).

SIZE: The cups stand 2 1/8 inches tall and measure 2 1/4 across at the rim (or 3 1/8 inches maximum from handle to opposite rim). The saucers measures 4 3/4 inches across and stands 3/4 inches tall with 2 1/2 inch diameter foot ring. They have 1 5/8 inch wide recessed cup wells for seating their handled demitasse mate.

CONDITION: All four vessels are in perfect condition with absolutely NO chips, NO cracks, NO wear or scratches, NO stains, NO repairs and NO restorations. They are ready for display or use depending on what you prefer and will certainly draw attention and interest in most nay setting.

SHIPPING: All US mainland buyers pay $10.70 for well boxed and insured USPS Priority mail (insurance is INCLUDED in this amount for all mainland US addresses only). That is a savings of $1 to $3 depending on where you live in the US. Docs Antiques never charges more than it actually costs to ship the item to you and we will refund any excess should you live near us. All international buyers will pay only the exact shipping costs for all verifiable locations outside the continental US mainland. Please note that import duties, taxes and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping costs and these additional charges are the Buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to purchasing this item -- thanks.

RETURN POLICY: Satisfaction and peace of mind are guaranteed for all Docs Antiques listings -- please refer directly to our Service Pledge and our Return Policy for full details. And this means that if you are unhappy with your purchase, you may return all four items undamaged by sending them back post marked within seven days of receipt for a refund (see terms of sale for full details; all four vessels sold as a single lot and must returned together). Items damaged during shipping are covered by insurance and while this rarely happens because we pack very well, we will gladly help you file your claim should it ever be necessary (to date, we have had only two claims for damage from shipping in over 7 years). Of course, never send an item back that was damaged by shipping since that will void the original insurance. Instead, contact us for help and we will gladly assist.

PAYMENT OPTIONS: We accept checks on US Banks (no temporary checks, all checks must have 9 digit routing code; item ships after check fully clears), USPS money orders, PayPal or contact us with your verified address for more options. If you wish to use a credit card by way of Paypal, that option becomes available after you submit a Ruby Lane purchase order (see Terms of Sale for additional information). Once submitted, a PayPal icon will appear at the bottom of this listing and then you may proceed from there if you wish to pay via Paypal. Thanks for looking and do come back and visit again when you have the time.

Item ID: RL320.a387