I have a dragonware cup and saucer that has an import mark on the bottom. I was wondering if anyone had any information about when it may have been produced.
The mark, which is a blue and silver sticker, says 'Hand Painted Nikoniko Import Japan' around the letters 'EW'. The other sticker says 'Souvenir of Reading's Pagoda'.
I grew up near Reading and the Pagoda is an important local landmark to people in Berks County, PA. The Pagoda was finished in 1908, opened to the public some time after 1911 when the city purchased it. I believe for a time the pagoda was closed to visitors, and I do not know when the gift shop closed. I have attempted to get some information from the Foundation for the Reading Pagoda, but so far have not heard anything from them.
I have not been able to find any information on the importer online. I purchased the set from some one who had purchased it from an estate.