Vintage Orient Express ’88 Bone China Coffee Cups & Saucers – Red & Blue – Momoyama Japan – Set of 2

Bring the romance and elegance of the legendary Orient Express to your table with this beautiful vintage pair of Nostalgie Orient – Istanbul Express bone china coffee cups and saucers, produced in Japan during the 1980s by Momoyama Ceramics.

Featuring one deep cobalt blue and one rich burgundy red cup, each with a matching saucer, this distinctive set combines classic European luxury railway styling with the exceptional craftsmanship of Japanese fine bone china.

Both cups feature the ornate Orient Express crest in gold, delicate gold-trimmed rims, and beautifully sculpted handles with elegant scrollwork. Their graceful proportions and contrasting colours make them particularly attractive as a pair.

Created in connection with the celebrated Orient Express ’88 project, these cups recall an era of polished silver, fine porcelain, luxurious dining cars, and leisurely journeys across Europe.

Whether enjoyed over morning coffee, displayed in a china cabinet, or given as a special gift, they offer a charming reminder of the golden age of international travel.

The Story Behind Orient Express ’88

In 1988, Japan celebrated an extraordinary moment in railway history when the famous Orient Express was brought from Europe to Japan for a major international cultural event commemorating the 30th anniversary of Fuji Television Network.

Officially known as Hitachi Orient Express ’88, the project was sponsored by Hitachi Ltd., with cooperation from JR East and other JR Group companies. The ambitious undertaking reportedly involved an investment of approximately ¥3 billion.

The project followed Fuji Television’s 1982 documentary, The Orient Express: A Magnificent 3,500km Journey from London to Istanbul, which explored the legendary train and the revival of luxury railway travel in Europe.

During this period, Japanese manufacturers produced commemorative and officially licensed tableware celebrating the Orient Express tradition.

These beautiful Momoyama bone china cups are part of that legacy, bringing together the romance of European railway history and Japan’s celebrated tradition of fine porcelain craftsmanship.

Sold as one complete set of two cups and two matching saucers.

Authentic vintage. Made in Japan.