Japan's poselein - Bisque porcelain - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)

Meiji period exquisite dish marked 古又造 Antique Japanese Kutani 'Akae' Eggshell Porcelain Dinner Service (12-piece) – 3 Cups and Saucers & 6 Bowls – Signed 'Matazo' – Meiji period Description: A beautiful and highly elegant 12-piece set of antique Japanese Kutani porcelain (九谷焼), dating from the late Meiji period (late 19th / early 20th century). This refined service is a classic example of the famed 'eggshell' or eggshell porcelain: so thin that light subtly shines through it. Parcel contents: This unique ensemble consists of a total of 12 individual pieces: 3 fine tea cups 3 matching saucers 6 versatile bowls (traditionally used for side dishes, rice, or as tea bowls) Design & Decoration: All pieces are fully hand-painted in the traditional Akae style (iron-red and gold on a clear white base). The central motif features detailed, charming scenes of playing children (Karako), surrounded by refined cartouches, geometric patterns and classic Japanese floral and cloud ornaments. The interior of both the cups and the bowls features an elegant wavy rim painting in the same iron-red palette. Signature: The underside of the saucers (and bowls) bears the hand-painted iron-red mark: Matazo zo (又造造), meaning "Made by Matazo", a master decorator from the heyday of Japanese export ceramics. Condition report & details of damage: Please examine the attached close-up photos carefully; they form an important part of the description. As eggshell porcelain is inherently extremely fragile, time has left its marks. The set is in a fair antique condition with signs of use: The teacups & bowls: Three pieces show a distinct hairline crack running vertically along the wall to the rim (see close-up photos). The remaining porcelain pieces are free of cracks. The saucers: All three saucers are structurally intact without cracks or restorations. General: Around the edges of the dinnerware there are a few minute blemishes and tiny 'fleabites' (small chips in the glaze) inherent to age and the ultra-thin material. The iron-red glaze remains beautifully clear; on the gold latticework there is very light, authentic wear from use visible here and there. Despite the hairline cracks on a number of pieces, this remains a splendid, homogeneous set of 12 items that makes a fantastic addition for the connoisseur of fine Asian porcelain and antique service ware.

Estimate:$202.26

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