Set of Five Kutani Ware Lidded Cups, Japan
A set of five lidded cups from the renowned Japanese Kutani ware tradition; the bases are clearly marked “九谷 華” (Kutani Hana). The glaze colors are distinctly layered and the patterns delicate and elegant. The set is painted in Kutani's characteristic overglaze enamel technique on a white porcelain body: white flowers on an emerald-green ground, dotted with yellow centers, bright yet with an antique charm — a typical example of the domestic craft aesthetic of the Shōwa to early Heisei period. Kutani ware has developed from the Edo period to the present day and is known for rich colors, bold lines and hand-painted designs. These cups have a green-glaze ground painted with five-petaled white flowers, their centers dotted with golden-yellow glaze, the overall palette clearly layered. The cups are small with rounded lid knobs, and suit a tea setting, desserts or soup alike — everyday Japanese craft objects for both use and display.
