Satsuma Mandarins with Porcelain Teacup

6x8 in. oil on linen panel

framed in an ornate gilded solid wood French frame

framed dimensions 14.5 x 12.5 x 2.5 in

signed front and back

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This was painted in late 2024. I picked up some satsuma mandarins from the store around the holidays and they looked so beautiful with blue and white porcelain that I had to paint them together! This is a Japanese phoenix teacup I found at an antique store in Pinehurst. The blue and white flying phoenix motif was popular during the early half of the 20th century and mainly made for export. Satsuma mandarins, or Japanese mandarins, are symbols of good fortune and abundance and often given as gifts during the holidays and new year. I love the idea that these simple items are filled with such positive meaning.