Features
◆ Hand-beaten copper work with a handmade metal feel
These tea saucers are not simple flat pressings; they show clear hand-hammering and relief. The fine dotted border, the slightly irregular undulation of the surface and the three-dimensional texture of the zodiac motifs all give each piece a warmth that machine-made modern wares lack.
◆ Twelve-zodiac theme, highly collectable
The zodiac is one of the most representative auspicious themes in East Asian culture. The twelve animals relate not only to years and birth signs but are also widely used for congratulation, blessing and folk decoration. This set comprises six saucers, each with a different zodiac animal in relief, which makes it enjoyable both to collect and to match up.
◆ Lively animals in relief
The animal on each saucer is rendered in three-dimensional relief. The outlines of the tiger, ox and others are clear, and together with the play of light on the metal itself they present different depths from different angles. Relief of this kind has more presence than flat incised lines and displays better in a collection.
◆ Natural antique-copper patina
After long use and storage, the surface of copper gradually acquires natural oxidation and changes of colour. On this set one can see:
Reddish brown
Dark brown
Golden yellow
Local oxidation spots
Wear from use
These changes give every piece its own character and are among the most appealing qualities of old copper.
◆ An unusual rectangular form with a curved face
Most tea saucers are round, plum-blossom shaped or leaf shaped; this set is rectangular with a slight curve, which looks very distinctive.
The round recess at the centre and the zodiac reliefs at the two ends form a natural symmetry, making the piece both practical and decorative.
◆ Punched dot border adding a layer of craftsmanship
The even ring of small dots around the edge is an important detail. It strengthens the outline of the frame and keeps the metal surface from looking plain, showing the fineness typical of traditional Japanese hand-beaten metalwork.
◆ With its original wooden box, more complete for collecting
The original wooden box is an important plus for this set. It provides storage and protection and also preserves the original context and sense of period. For collectors of old tea utensils, sencha wares and metalwork, a piece "with its box" is usually regarded as more complete than one without.