Originality Plus Gypsy Teacup Zig-Zag Design

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Gypsy Teacup by Originality Plus; zig-zag design cup and saucer set
Gypsy Teacup by Originality Plus; top view id zig-zag designs
Gypsy Teacup by Originality Plus; zig-zag design backstamps
Gypsy Teacup by Originality Plus; zig-zag design backstamp
Bradley Exclusives Japan metallic foil paper sticker on an Originality Plus backstamped cup

The Gypsy Teacup by Originality Plus of Los Angeles, California is an unusual symbol cup issued in 1959, according to the copyright data on its backstamp. It was manufactured in Japan of white porcelain for an importer known as Bradley Exclusives. There are two variations, one with a free-hand scallop design around the saucer, and another with a more formal zig-zag design around the saucer. The symbols are tiny transfers, each contained within a circle; and because they are hand-placed, no two cups exactly the same. As the instruction sheet explains, due to the small size of the symbols, after noting the tea leaf patterns, one should use a chopstick to push them aside to reveal the symbols beneath. The outside of the cup has a series of words on it in an informal style of lettering. Although it is language, it does not meet the qualifications for Poetry on Cups and Saucers. Instructions were included. The saucer measures 5.75" across; the tea cup is 1.875"H and 3.75"D.

From the instruction sheet:

The Gypsy Teacup, copyright 1959

Originality Plus, 92 W. 23rd. St., Los Angeles 7, Cal.

Made by Bradley Exclusives, Japan.

DIV-TLR-XXXX

catherine yronwode
curator, historian, and docent
The Mystic Tea Room

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