This coffee cup is painted in the Imari palette of green, blue and red, with highlights of gold. The name of the pattern is associated with a Mr. Renatus Kempthorne. John Thorneloe (one of the original partners of the Worcester porcelain factory) had stayed with Mr. Kempthorne during a visit to Cornwall. To repay his host’s hospitality, Thorneloe had a tea service specially made and presented to Mr. Kempthorne. Japanese porcelain in the Imari style had a great impact on European ceramics. Imari porcelain was produced in the area of Arita in present-day Saga prefecture on Kyushu Island and derived its name from the port from where it was shipped. The range of enamels used on Imari wares is fairly wide but generally consists of blue, red and gold. The colours and patterns of Imari wares were reproduced by European porcelain factories, highlighting the popularity of Japanese designs with European customers in the 18th century.
