Tanaka Japan Porcelain Saucer with Geisha Scene
Viridian Eclection
The Piece
Tanaka Japan Porcelain Saucer with Figural Geisha Scene
Japan, mid–20th century
A vintage porcelain saucer produced by Tanaka, featuring a finely detailed hand-painted figural scene. Three kimono-clad women are shown within a pastoral landscape of bamboo, water, and pagoda architecture. The palette is soft but saturated: coral red, powder blue, pale pink, and moss green, outlined with crisp black linework typical of mid-century Japanese export porcelain.
The saucer is presented here as a standalone decorative object and is shown on a brass display stand for vertical presentation.
Historical Context
Tanaka was among several Japanese manufacturers producing decorative porcelain for Western export markets in the mid-20th century. These wares often drew from ukiyo-e-inspired imagery, blending traditional Japanese subject matter with forms familiar to European and American buyers.
Figural saucers like this were intended for tea services but were equally marketed as decorative collectibles. Today, they are most often appreciated as display pieces rather than functional tableware.
Product Details
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Maker | Tanaka |
| Origin | Japan |
| Date | Mid-20th century |
| Material | Porcelain |
| Decoration | Hand-painted figural geisha scene |
| Form | Saucer |
| Markings | “Tanaka Japan” mark to underside |
| Condition | Very good vintage condition |
| Display | Shown with brass stand (stand included only if noted) |
Condition Notes
Porcelain is intact with no cracks observed. Light surface wear is present, consistent with age and prior handling. Painted decoration remains vivid with no significant losses. Underside shows normal glaze pooling and factory finish typical of the period.
Why It Belongs in Your Home
This piece works best when treated as art, not dishware. Display it on a shelf, in a cabinet, or layered into a wall vignette where its narrative scene can be read at eye level. It adds color, story, and a subtle sense of place without overwhelming a space.
It doesn’t need a set. It holds its own.
From Viridian Eclection
We value objects that communicate cultural context clearly and honestly. This Tanaka saucer reflects a specific moment in Japanese export ceramics where tradition, craftsmanship, and accessibility intersected. It’s a small piece with a complete visual story.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Private viewings also available.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
