Founded in the mid-Edo period in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture, and developed uniquely under the patronage of Naruse, the lord of Inuyama Castle in the Owari Domain, this 3-piece small set condenses rich sculptural beauty and painting techniques centered around works imbued with the traditional skills of Inuyama ware. Inuyama ware is renowned for its gorgeous overglaze painting modeled after Chinese Swatow-style red enamel (Gosu Akae) from the Ming dynasty and elegant painted motifs influenced by Ogata Kenzan; from the Meiji to Taisho eras, it was actively produced as refined vessels to grace sencha tea ceremonies and banquet settings. Combining three pieces, each possessing distinct techniques and charm—a sake cup showcasing traditional Gosu Akae methods to full effect, a cylindrical teacup with a rustic Kenzan-style flavor, and a round small jar adorned with sophisticated Gosu blue painting—our shop presents this set to the global market not only as a tea vessel set for savoring sencha, but also as a luxury Japanese sake vessel and small jar set for enjoying sake or whisky.
Carefully observing the details of each piece clearly reveals the artisan's sophisticated design sensibility and handcrafted skill. The overglaze red sake cup is covered throughout in the technique of Gosu Akae, the true essence of Inuyama ware, using deep, dense red enamel and vivid green glaze to meticulously depict auspicious characters such as "Longevity" (寿), floral motifs, and fine lattice patterns without gaps inside round medallions. Red and green dot patterns line the rim of the interior (mikomi), creating a beautiful contrast against the warm feldspar glaze body with crazing, while a circular frame containing the stamped mark "Inu" (犬) indicating genuine Inuyama ware is clearly impressed on the bottom of the foot ring. The cylindrical teacup features expansive autumn grass motifs painted in iron glaze and green enamel over a flavorful feldspar glaze body, showing an individualistic and commanding presence with a rectangular ornamental window carved into its side. The round small jar showcases landscape and autumn grass scenes painted with delicate Gosu strokes on a spherical white glaze surface, imparting a refined dignity to any space.
Regarding the period of production, based on a comprehensive analysis of the circular framed "Inu" stamp form on the bottom of the foot, the coloration and texture of the overglaze enamels, and the sculptural styling of Inuyama sencha and sake vessels during their peak from the mid-Meiji to Taisho eras, it is estimated to be a work created between circa 1890s and 1910s (mid-Meiji to early Taisho era). All vessels have no noticeable damage such as cracks or chips, maintaining excellent condition in both the coloration of the Gosu Akae and the texture of the clay body.
- Artist: Inuyama Ware Potters / Artisans (Founded in 1710–)
- About the Artist: [1710] Kiln established by order of Naruse Masachika, lord of Inuyama Castle (origins); [1830] Established Gosu Akae and Kenzan-style designs as the official kiln of the Owari Domain; [1890s–1910s] Produced numerous sencha vessels and high-end banquet sakeware during the Meiji and Taisho eras
- Works Housed In: Inuyama City Cultural Historical Museum, Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum, etc.
- Period of Production: Circa 1890s–1910s (Mid-Meiji to early Taisho era, estimated)
- Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: None
- Material: Pottery and semi-porcelain (Inuyama ware, Gosu Akae overglaze red, with artist's mark)
- Dimensions: Teacup (Height approx. 8.5 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 7.7 cm), Sake cup (Height approx. 5.5 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 7.4 cm), Small jar (Height approx. 7.0 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 2.8 cm)
- Caution: All products offered by our shop are pre-owned items due to their historical production period, even if unused. Products may have age-related damage, so please consider purchasing after understanding and verifying these condition details.
