Features
Classic Kutani craftsmanship, finely and naturally painted
Made using the traditional five-colour enamel technique, the colours are full without being harsh, showing the artistry and the warmth of hand work particular to Kutani ware.
Pine, bamboo and golden pheasant — a design rich in auspicious meaning
The subject signifies long life and abundant good fortune, and is often seen on wares given as congratulatory gifts, carrying considerable cultural meaning.
A complete set, practical as well as handsome
It is equally suited to brewing tea at home, to display and collecting, or to decorating a Japanese-style interior. A set preserved complete is especially uncommon.
◆ Crackle, brushwork, a story — a vintage Kutani ware tea set
A good tea set should not only pour well; it should please the eye, feel right in the hand and set the mood when it is laid out. This Kutani ware set is exactly that — one pot and five cups, preserved complete and in fine condition.
The design is the classic pairing of pine and bamboo with a golden pheasant — old-fashioned, but it never tires. Look closely and the bright-feathered pheasant is remarkably alive, the brushwork so fine that each feather reads as its own layer. The glaze is calm rather than showy, with some natural crackle giving it the quality of something that has aged.
The pot has a side handle, the form best suited to the Japanese way of brewing. It pours smoothly and the lid fits well, so there is nothing wanting in use. The five cups are just the right size, with real presence whether for everyday tea, a tea gathering, or display in a shop.
The character of this set suits anyone who wants a little Japanese feeling at home without anything too modern or uniform. On a tea table, in a select shop or in the corner of a tea house, it shows its quality quietly. For those fond of old ceramics or Japanese wares, this set is well worth having.