Sold Ceramics - Sold Japanese Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares 18th Century - Page 1

Object 2011387

Six teacups and five saucers

Japan

c.1700

Height of teacups 44 mm (1.73 inch), diameter of rims 74 mm (2.91 inch), diameter of footrings 35 mm (1.38 inch), weights 45/44/46/48/53/47 grams (1.59/1.55/1.62/1.87/1.66 ounce (oz.))

Height of saucers 26 mm (1.02 inch), diameter of rims 120 mm (4.72 inch), diameter of footrings 64 mm (2.52 inch), weights 101/82/95/108 grams (3.56/2.89/3.35/3.81 ounce (oz.)) 

Six teacups and five saucers on footrings, spreading sides with short flat rims. Decorated in underglaze blue with an unusual combination of overglaze enamels, iron-red, and gold with a flowering prunus spray in a central roundel surrounded by three clusters of flowering prunus, peony and bamboo plants. On the interior rim a zig-zag lines patterm border. On the exterior walls three flowering stems and on the bases a single flowering stem. The teacups are decorated en suite.

In the centre of the saucer a flowering prunus branch encircled by a double, concentric band. On the interior wall a continuous decoration of prunus, peony and bamboo. .

The decoration with prunus, pine and bamboo is also known as the 'Three Friends of Cold Winter'. The beauty of the flowers and the short blossoming season symbolise moral purity and transient female beauty. (Ströber 2011, p.130)

Condition:

Teacups: Some wear to the enamels.

Saucers: Some wear to the enamels.

Reference:

Ströber 2011, p.130

Price: Sold.