"Occupied Japan” refers to the years 1945 through 1951 when western forces occupied Japan. The Supreme Command of Allied Powers (SCAP), led by U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur, took control of Japan after the surrender: this involved disarming Japan’s military, establishing a new political order and eventually, helping revive the ravaged Japanese economy. In those 6 years, exporting manufactured goods to western markets was part of this economic revival. All goods destined for the U.S. had to be marked “Occupied Japan” or “Made in Occupied Japan.” This very cute tulip shaped demitasse is decorated with gold gilt lines and hand-painted flowers. As you can imagine, not many porcelain were produced in a mere 6 year timeframe, and not many of them have survived without a damage like this .
