Set of Ten Kinrande Teacups, Japan (with Tomobako)
This set of ten Japanese teacups is decorated in the traditional Japanese kinrande (gold brocade) style, with a vermilion glaze and finely painted gilt floral motifs; the whole is sumptuous yet elegant and shows a strong Japanese ceramic character. The outer walls are covered with gilt chrysanthemums and floral patterns, the gold flowers appearing all the richer against the red glaze; the interiors are kept a plain pure white, and a traditional crest is painted at the bottom of each cup, so the set combines visual beauty with practicality for drinking tea. It comes with its original wooden tomobako, which makes storage and preservation easier and adds to the completeness and collecting value of the set. The ten cups survive as a complete set, well suited to tea gatherings, serving tea to guests, or a collection of Japanese tea ceremony utensils — a classic tea ware combining practicality and artistry.
