Rare Japanese Imari sencha tea cups by Gyokushi, Ginshōtei studio, c.1890
£500.00
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A fine pair of Japanese sencha tea cups dating to the Meiji period, circa 1890. Made of high-quality Arita porcelain, they are decorated in the Imari tradition using gosai, or five-colour overglaze enamels, highlighted with rich gilt decoration. The palette combines iron-red bengara enamel, soft cobalt-blue accents, green enamels and gold, characteristic of finely decorated Japanese export wares of the late nineteenth century.
The underside of each cup bears a hand-painted iron-red mark reading Ginshōtei Gyokushi-zō, meaning "Made by Gyokushi of the Ginshōtei studio". Ginshōtei was a specialist decorating atelier associated with high-quality Arita and Imari porcelain during the Meiji period. Pieces bearing this signature are encountered only occasionally on the antiques market and are prized for their miniature figure painting, detailed costume decoration and refined gilt work.
The decoration forms a continuous narrative scene inspired by the aristocratic culture of the Heian period. A court noble seated beside a writing table is paired with an elegant court lady playing a koto, creating a refined composition centred on poetry, music and courtly life.
Traditionally known as sencha-wan, these cups were intended for the enjoyment of fine loose-leaf green tea within the culture of senchadō. Their distinctive shape was designed to concentrate aroma, retain warmth and provide a comfortable grip. A rare signed pair combining unusual form, literary subject matter and excellent preservation.
Measurements
Height: 8.5 cm / 3.35″
Diameter: 11.9 cm / 4.69″
Weight: 356 g and 361 g
Condition
Excellent condition. No chips, cracks or restoration.
Shipping & Packaging
Fully tracked and insured delivery.
Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling and secure postage.
Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.
Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description, and feel free to ask any questions.
Rare Japanese Imari sencha tea cups by Gyokushi, Ginshōtei studio, c.1890
£500.00
The underside of each cup bears a hand-painted iron-red mark reading Ginshōtei Gyokushi-zō, meaning "Made by Gyokushi of the Ginshōtei studio". Ginshōtei was a specialist decorating atelier associated with high-quality Arita and Imari porcelain during the Meiji period. Pieces bearing this signature are encountered only occasionally on the antiques market and are prized for their miniature figure painting, detailed costume decoration and refined gilt work.
The decoration forms a continuous narrative scene inspired by the aristocratic culture of the Heian period. A court noble seated beside a writing table is paired with an elegant court lady playing a koto, creating a refined composition centred on poetry, music and courtly life.
Traditionally known as sencha-wan, these cups were intended for the enjoyment of fine loose-leaf green tea within the culture of senchadō. Their distinctive shape was designed to concentrate aroma, retain warmth and provide a comfortable grip. A rare signed pair combining unusual form, literary subject matter and excellent preservation.
Measurements
Height: 8.5 cm / 3.35″
Diameter: 11.9 cm / 4.69″
Weight: 356 g and 361 g
Condition
Excellent condition. No chips, cracks or restoration.
Shipping & Packaging
Fully tracked and insured delivery.
Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling and secure postage.
Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.
Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description, and feel free to ask any questions.