Beautiful early-Showa Kutani porcelain tea set for six, dating to c.1940–1960.
Each cup features a delicate lithophane geisha portrait visible when held to the light – a highly collectible and sought-after detail in Japanese export porcelain. The exterior is richly hand painted with colorful birds, blooming flowers and a classic red geometric border enhanced with gold.
A complete tea service including 6 cups, 6 saucers, a teapot, sugar bowl and creamer, all decorated in matching Kutani style. The porcelain is thin and resonant, and the enamel work is bright and clean.
Special feature: Lithophane geisha portraits inside the cups
Dimensions (inches first, then centimeters):
Details:
• Origin: Japan
• Date: c.1940–1960 (early Showa)
• Material: Fine porcelain with hand-painted enamels and gilt details
• Mark: Kutani China – Made in Japan
• Dimensions: Cups: height 1.96in / 5cm, diameter 3.74in / 9.5cm; • Saucers: diameter 5.51in / 14cm; • Teapot: height 5.90in / 15cm, width 8.66in / 22cm; • Sugar bowl: height 5.11in / 13cm, width 6.29in / 16cm; • Creamer: height 3.77in / 9.6cm, width 4.72in / 12cm
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition – no cracks, no chips, beautiful surfaces, minimal age-related wear to gilding on the teapot handle. Lithophane portraits are crisp and clear.
(The photographs form an integral part of the description.)
A well-placed antique does more than decorate a room - it gives it authorship. Against a contemporary interior, older objects introduce texture, balance and a sense of permanence that cannot be replicated by newly made pieces alone.
This is the principle behind the LÜRON selection. We look for works that carry historical character with ease, and that feel as convincing in a Paris apartment as they do in a more modern architectural setting.
