An attractive mid-Victorian Minton porcelain tea set decorated in the Japanese Kakiemon manner with a stylised tiger among bamboo and peony blossoms and a waterfall. The palette combines ochre red, cobalt and royal blues, bright greens and black, finished with gilt. Saucers carry the full scene; cups repeat the exterior motif and include a painted floral spray inside with gilded rims. The matching cream jug has a moulded scroll handle and foot. Minton was one of the pioneering companies in English porcelain production, established in Staffordshire in the late 18th century, and quickly gained fame for its wonderfully fine white bone china and brilliant enamels. Saucers dated by impressed marks: horseshoe for 1853 (five) and three radiating lines for 1861 (five). Cups include earlier dates down to 1847. Cream jug unmarked, as is common for this period. ...