1909 IJF King Austrian Tea Cup And Saucer With Billiken, Swastikas, Symbols

Antiques : Furniture : Cups And Saucers : Ijf King

 

This is the most unusual and interesting cup and saucer we have seen - ever! The saucer and the outside of the cup are rimmed with a band of swastikas, a symbol at that time with positive connotations. One side of the cup has a billiken, the jovial good luck creature representing "things as they ought to be", that was the rage in the early 1900's and became the mascot of Saint Louis University. A tribute to the virtues of tea is written on the other side, which reads: “The Cup That Cheers” - A cup of good tea - Acknowledged to be - A famous restorer of Gladness - It quickens the flame - Enlivens the frame - And dispelleth - The spirit of sadness”. The inside of the cup is equally unusual and filled with various symbols of progress and hope, including cupid, automobile, anchor, clasped hands, North Pole, bird, flying machine, star, laurel wreath and three hearts, crown, key, gold, bottle labeled extra dry, and another billiken.

There is some variance in the marks on the underside of the cup and the saucer although there is no doubt that the two pieces are a set. The design of this fantastic cup and saucer was patented by IJF King on December 28, 1909 and the cup and saucer were made in Austria. Both pieces are in excellent condition.

Item ID: RL1462