Features
The signature style of Kutani ware: it combines Japanese painting aesthetics with finely worked enamel technique, showing the beauty of the craftsman's brush.
Hand-painted overglaze enamel: every line is drawn by hand rather than transfer-printed, and the texture can be felt.
White flowers on a green ground: a composition suggesting elegance and vitality, harmonious in colour and classically Japanese.
Gilt touches on yellow stamens: under light the flower centres give a soft reflection, adding refinement.
A practical lidded cup: it keeps out dust, guards against heat and retains warmth, suiting hot soup, desserts or use at a tea setting.
A complete set of five: the whole set is well preserved and consistent in pattern, showing the steady hand of the craftsman.
Evenly proportioned form: neither too thick nor too thin, warm in the hand and not liable to scald in daily use.
Base mark hand-written "Kutani Hana": an individual craftsman's signature, of interest for identification and collecting.
A warm, lustrous glaze: the green glaze covers evenly, soft in brightness and easy on the eye.
Colour that lasts: Kutani enamels are fired at high temperature and do not fade with time.
Many uses: suitable as tea cups, soup cups, dessert cups or bowls for chawanmushi.
At home in Eastern and modern interiors alike: they sit well on a Japanese wooden tray or on a Western porcelain plate.
Good for home photography: the green glaze catches light softly and photographs beautifully.
High collecting value: a signed, complete set in a characteristic colour scheme, with good collecting potential.
Cultural symbolism: white flowers stand for purity and happiness, and a green ground for harmony and calm, which makes this a fitting gift of good wishes.