Antique Kutani \"100 Poets\" Cup Snack Set Eggshell Porcelain Japanese Signed For Sale

Up for sale is a single, highly collectible vintage Japanese Kutani porcelain cup and matching tray set, decorated in the iconic \"100 Poets\" (Hyakunin Isshu) motif.

The delicately potted teacup features a distinctive angular rectangular handle accented in gold gilt. The matching handled sandwich plate is richly decorated with hand-painted Heian court figures, flowing calligraphy, geometric red borders, and generous hand-applied gold gilt accents.

This elegant cup-and-plate form - commonly known as a snack set, sandwich set, tennis set, or tea-and-toast set - was especially popular in Japanese porcelain during the 1920s–1940s.

The remarkably thin eggshell porcelain, intricate figural decoration, and unusual geometric forms give the set an elegant and highly decorative appearance. A beautiful addition to any collection of Japanese export porcelain, Asian decorative arts, vintage tea wares, or One Hundred Poets (Hyakunin Isshu) pieces.

Key Features & Artistry:

• Authentic Kutani Mark: The base features the traditional, crisp two-character red seal script mark reading \"Kutani\"written in a stylized, ancient script style known as seal script (Tensho-tai).

• Premium Detailing: Hand-painted accents over a brilliant white porcelain body, finished with heavy, brilliant Kinzan (gold gilt) solid gold overglaze on the handle and geometric borders.

• Culturally Authentic: This is a high-art literary set featuring only the traditional Kutani base stamp. It does not feature the common Western export novelty \"geisha face\" lithophanes in the bottom of the cup.Lithophane cups were primarily mass-manufactured strictly for the western export trade. Because this cup has only a traditional red seal mark and lacks an \"Export\" stamp, it reinforces that this set was likely originally produced for the upscale, appreciative domestic market in Japan where a hidden geisha face would not fit the sophisticated literary theme.
  

Dimensions (Approximate):

• Cup: 2\" Tall x 3.25\" Wide
• Fan Tray:8\" Long x 6\" Wide

Condition Report:

Very good vintage condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. There are two small areas of expected gold gilt wear on the handled plate, including the decorative handle. The underside of the plate shows a few small kiln- or age-related spots/marks that remained after gentle cleaning. These are confined to the underside and do not affect the display or use of the set. Please review all photos carefully, as they form part of the description.

Shipping & Handling:

Eggshell porcelain is notoriously delicate. This set will be securely packed with premium bubble wrap and heavy cushioning to ensure it arrives safely at your doorstep. Insurance and tracking are included.