Japanese Hand-Painted Landscape Tea for One Set
Decorative ceramic art, tea set comprising a teapot and matching tray • Unidentified Japanese ceramic artist, mass-produced export ware workshop
Style & Movement
Showa period export ceramics, tourist ware / souvenir art
Medium & Technique
Glazed porcelain or earthenware with hand-painted overglaze enamel decoration and gilt highlights
Creation Period
Mid-20th century, likely Occupation Era Japan (c. 1947-1952)
Dimensions & Format
Small personal tea set; tray approximately 8 x 6 inches, teapot approximately 4 inches in height
Subject Description
A scenic landscape featuring birch-like trees, a serene body of water with a white swan, a small bridge or pavilion, and an orange-tinted sky, executed in a stylized, decorative manner typical of mid-century Japanese export pottery
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition with minor wear to the gilt rim and slight surface dirt, typical of age and use
Estimated Market Value
$25 - $50 USD
Auction Estimate
$15 - $30 USD
Provenance History
Likely brought to the West as a souvenir during the post-WWII occupation period, passed down through private family ownership
Art Historical Significance
Representative example of post-World War II Japanese export ceramics intended for the Western market, illustrating the economic recovery and export-driven craft production of the era
Notable Features
Features a matching pictorial design seamlessly continued across both the teapot and the kidney-shaped tray, incorporating a classic Japanese export motif of tranquil waters and swans
Condition Issues
Minor chipping or rubbing on the spout tip, surface scuffs, and slight yellowing of the glaze in recessed areas
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with warm water and mild soap; handle with care to prevent further chipping on the fragile ceramic body