Japanese Dragonware & Hidden Geisha Lithophane

Updated August 22, 2026

Vintage Japanese Dragonware Porcelain Cup & Saucer with Hidden Geisha Lithophane Vintage Japanese porcelain cup and saucer featuring an elaborate raised moriage dragon design against a dramatic black, gray and white shaded ground. The decoration is accented with pale blue, pink and gold details, along with gilt rims. When the cup is held toward a light, a hidden portrait of a woman—commonly referred to as a geisha—appears in the bottom. This image is a lithophane, molded into the varying thicknesses of the porcelain rather than painted onto its surface. Likely produced as Japanese export ware during the mid-20th century, circa 1940s–1960s. No maker’s mark is visible. Displays some age-related wear to the gilt and painted decoration. Please review all photographs carefully for the most accurate assessment of condition. There are no chips or cracks that we determined.

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