Magnificent tea set decorated and hand-painted...

A journey to early 20th-century Japan – Grand Japanned porcelain set in a polychrome decorative style Let yourself be won over by the charm and refinement of this important collection of antique Japanese porcelains, comprising 33 pieces, including a magnificent teapot with its lid, cups of various shapes, and numerous richly decorated saucers. Originating from Japan, this set is part of the tradition of decorative Japanese porcelains intended notably for export during the first half of the 20th century. Its period of manufacture is estimated around 1920–1940, between the end of the Taishō era and the beginning of the Shōwa era, subject to the particularities of each piece. The set immediately captivates with its warm orange hue and glossy reflections, enhanced by delicate polychrome decorations that evoke the poetry of traditional Japanese landscapes. Elaborate ladies in kimono, majestic pines, flowering gardens, traditional pavilions and pagodas, as well as mountainous landscapes and charming scenes of Japanese life can be seen. The motifs appear in various compositions, combining fine black lines with touches of green, red, blue and white. This decorative diversity gives the entire group a singular charm and particular appeal. A particularly remarkable teapot The centerpiece of this set is undoubtedly its large Japanese teapot, with a generously rounded silhouette, accompanied by its original lid. It features a very elegant design of Japanese cranes in flight, green bamboo and flowering branches set against a luminous orange background. Its blue collar with iridescent reflections and its magnificent turquoise handle mimicking bamboo stalks give it an exceptional personality. In Japanese tradition, cranes are associated with longevity and good fortune, while bamboo evokes strength, flexibility and perseverance. This combination of symbols and colours makes the teapot a very beautiful decorative object in its own right, equally captivating in a display cabinet for a collection or in a home of Asian arts enthusiasts. Old marks of particular interest Another point of interest of this set lies in the different marks found on the reverse of the pieces. The teapot bears a Japanese red inscription « Dai Nippon » (大日本), meaning “Great Japan,” a mark found on some antique Japanese porcelains. Among the saucers there are several types of marks, including red stamps representing a stylised mountain, Japanese characters, monograms as well as the inscriptions “JAPAN” and “MADE IN JAPAN.” These various stamps attest to the diversity of productions and Japanese export networks. They suggest that the set could bring together pieces from several workshops or decorative series. Specifications Composition: 34 elements in total: - 1 large Japanese teapot - 1 matching lid - 5 low cups with a green kimono-wearing woman motif - 8 tall cups with various Japanese decorations - 11 saucers with a green kimono figure and pine landscape motif - 8 saucers with floral, pavillion and traditional landscape motifs Origin: Japan. Manufacturer: unidentified Japanese manufacturers or studios. Estimated period: around 1920–1940, first half of the 20th century. Style: traditional export Japanese porcelain, figurative Geisha Ware-style decorations. Material: glazed porcelain. Finish: lustrous orange glaze, peach and amber tones, turquoise and iridescent blue accents. Decoration: polychrome Japanese scenes, geishas, pines, flowers, bamboos, cranes, pagodas and landscapes. Marks: « Dai Nippon », « JAPAN », « MADE IN JAPAN » and various red Japanese marks. Condition Good overall condition for an antique set of this age. The porcelain retains a beautiful shine and colored decorations that highlight the various Japanese scenes. Signs of age and use are visible, including light wear, superficial scratches, glaze irregularities and occasional finish wear. The teapot also shows time-related marks, notably on its foot. The many photographs are an integral part of the description and help to appreciate the condition and distinctive features of the pieces. Shipping Given the number of items and their fragility, special care will be taken in packing. Each piece will be protected individually, then carefully separated from the others by multiple layers of protection. The teapot will receive reinforced packaging, particularly around the spout, handle and lid. The set will be shipped in sturdy packaging suitable for transporting antique porcelains, with tracking. A superb decorative set, a true invitation to discover the Japanese way of life and traditions of the early 20th century. A beautiful opportunity for collectors of antique porcelains and enthusiasts of Asian decorative arts."

Estimate:£0.84

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