Antique meiji hand painted gold leaf enamel eggshell 4 cups+5 saucers tea set

  
There is some wear to the enamel paint and gold leaf in places, particularly the black and gold borders. But they are in, what is to me, great antique condition. From desperately trying to find the maker of these because, i just can't help myself! These are such fine eggshell thin porcelain. They are fun to hold!

This grouping has 4 tea cups, but 5 saucers. Probably a cup was lost or broken in all the time these have been together. But i understand that the number 4 or increments of 4 are considered bad luck in asia, so it could be a way to avoid that at least with the sauvers? It is marked «kutani china» (see more about that below).

They are just beautiful and delicate, just that wonderful combination of rust and gold and that suprisingly contemporary black and gold border. My favorite part of this design in the pale blue. The cups are unmarked, but the matching saucers have the following marks (see last image). [in script]: kutani china «n» «s» inside of a horizontally elongated diamond shape china hand painted. Dimensions saucer diameter is 4 1/2" the rim is 1/2" away from the surface on which the saucer rests.

Cup from the outer most part of the handle to the opposite rim is 3. Rim diameter is about 2 1/8.

Height is also 2 1/8. Kutani-yaki is a style of japanese porcelain with overglaze painting, made in the old kutani province--the southern cities of kanazawa, komatsu, kaga, and nomi in ishikawa prefecture.

With its vivid colors and design, it is held in high regard the world over. The history of kutani ware goes back to around the 17th century. The early days of kutani is still shrouded in mystery and debate. With the exquisite use of many vivid colors and bold and unconventional patterns kutani ware was soon received held in high regard as perhaps the best overglaze painted ware in japan.

During the meiji period, kutani was introduced to europe to much acclaim, presented at expositions such as the weltausstellung 1873 wien, it became a sought after japanese ceramic art form in the west. Many kilns were opened in this exciting period and developed their their own unique styles.

The gold used on kutani porcelains often sets it apart. Gold has been a familiar material in the kutani area and in fact, most japanese gold leaf is produced the region. Maker's and/or other marks. The cups are unmarked, but the matching saucers have the following marks (see last image): [in script]: kutani china «n» «s» inside of a horizontally elongated diamond shape china hand painted.

Saucer diameter is 4 1/2" the rim is 1/2" away from the surface on which the saucer rests. The images serve as the majority of the listing description, so take a look at them closely. I just don't have the stamina to create new listings for those. I haven't initially individually listed items because i don't have enough listing slots to so.

Trying to downsize some, though extremely melancholically. I appreciate you taking the time to view my listing. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Kitchen & Home\Dinnerware & Serveware\Cups & Saucers". The seller is "icon0graphy" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped to United States.

• Country/Region of Manufacture: Japan
• Department: Unisex Adult
• Custom Bundle: Yes
• Material: enamel (paint), gold leaf, Ceramic & Porcelain
• Capacity: unknown
• Type: demitasse/tea/cappucino cups + saucers
• Beverage Type: Hot or Cold
• Features: Hand Painted
• Glass Type: not glass: very fine bone china
• Color: Gold, white, black, rust, blue, teal
• Vintage: Yes
• Glassware Type: not glass: fine bone china
• Set Includes: Cappuccino Cup & Saucer Set
• Brand: kutani china: ns
• Original/Licensed Reproduction: Original
• Time Period Manufactured: 1850-1899
• Bundle Description: 4 cups + 5 saucers