Antique Royal Crown Derby coffee cup and saucer in the Imari "Kings" or "Old Japan" pattern c1885. The cup is 7cm in height and the saucer 13.5cm diameter. are 22.5cm diameter. Impressed mark "Derby" and printed mark for Royal Crown Derby used c1877 to 1890. Pattern number 383 but no year cipher which is not uncommon for the period.
 
Popularity of the Japan or Imari patterns during the mid 19th century together with Crown Derby's growing reputation helped the business expand resulting in the company opening a new factory at its current site in Ormaston in 1877, when the printed "double D" mark as seen on these pieces came into use. This mark was used between c1877 and 1890. From c1880 a year cipher commonly appeared below the mark - the absence of this indicating that the cup and saucer date from between c1877 and 1880. The pattern number 383 refers to the "Old Japan" pattern also known as the "Kings" pattern. For more information on Royal Crown Derby visit our Maker's History pages.