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ID #SA1220136
FOR SALE
£350
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Pair of Japanese Imari Porcelain Sencha Tea Cups, Ginshōtei Gyokushi, C.1890
For sale by Ritas Bazaar
for sale €410     $445
£350

Ritas Bazaar

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2025
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Pair of Japanese Imari Porcelain Sencha Tea Cups, Ginshōtei Gyokushi, C.1890

19th century
For Sale by Ritas Bazaar
Description

A fine pair of Japanese porcelain sencha tea cups dating to the Meiji period, circa 1890. Produced in Arita and decorated in the Imari tradition, they display gosai enamels and gilt decoration in a palette of iron-red bengara, cobalt blue, green and gold.

Each cup bears the hand-painted iron-red mark 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, while Gyokushi was the artist responsible for the painted decoration.

The decoration forms a continuous Heian court narrative featuring a nobleman composing poetry beside a writing table and a court lady playing a koto. The finely painted figures, elaborate costumes and literary theme reflect the refined culture of classical Japan.

Traditionally known as sencha-wan, these cups were intended for fine loose-leaf tea within the culture of senchadō. Their distinctive form, with a swelling lower body and slightly constricted rim, was designed to concentrate aroma, retain warmth and provide a comfortable grip. Rare signed examples of this quality are encountered only occasionally on the market and are particularly desirable for their unusual form, elegant decoration 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 study all photographs as they form part of the description.

Questions are welcome.

Physical Dimensions
Height
8.5cm (3.35")
Width
11.9cm (4.69")
Depth
11.9cm (4.69")
Declaration

Ritas Bazaar has dated these Japanese Imari Porcelain Cups to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1220136
Dealers Internal Reference
B1779
Description
A fine pair of Japanese porcelain sencha tea cups dating to the Meiji period, circa 1890.
“
Produced in Arita and decorated in the Imari tradition, they display gosai enamels and gilt decoration in a palette of iron-red bengara, cobalt blue, green and gold.
Ritas Bazaar
fig 1. A pair of late 19th-century white Japanese Imari porcelain handleless sencha teacups hand-painted with figures at low desks and floral motifs in iron red and black enamels.
fig 1. Pair of Japanese Imari Porcelain Sencha Tea Cups, Ginshōtei Gyokushi, C.1890

Each cup bears the hand-painted iron-red mark 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, while Gyokushi was the artist responsible for the painted decoration.

fig 2. A pair of late 19th-century white Japanese Imari porcelain handleless sencha teacups hand-painted with figures at low desks and floral motifs in iron red and black enamels.
fig 2. Pair of Japanese Imari Porcelain Sencha Tea Cups, Ginshōtei Gyokushi, C.1890

The decoration forms a continuous Heian court narrative featuring a nobleman composing poetry beside a writing table and a court lady playing a koto. The finely painted figures, elaborate costumes and literary theme reflect the refined culture of classical Japan.

fig 3. A pair of late 19th-century white Japanese Imari porcelain handleless sencha teacups hand-painted with figures at low desks and floral motifs in iron red and black enamels.
fig 3. Pair of Japanese Imari Porcelain Sencha Tea Cups, Ginshōtei Gyokushi, C.1890

Traditionally known as sencha-wan, these cups were intended for fine loose-leaf tea within the culture of senchadō. Their distinctive form, with a swelling lower body and slightly constricted rim, was designed to concentrate aroma, retain warmth and provide a comfortable grip. Rare signed examples of this quality are encountered only occasionally on the market and are particularly desirable for their unusual form, elegant decoration and excellent preservation.

fig 4. A pair of late 19th-century white Japanese Imari porcelain handleless sencha teacups hand-painted with figures at low desks and floral motifs in iron red and black enamels.
fig 4. Pair of Japanese Imari Porcelain Sencha Tea Cups, Ginshōtei Gyokushi, C.1890

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 study all photographs as they form part of the description.

Questions are welcome.

Height
8.5cm (3.35")
Width
11.9cm (4.69")
Depth
11.9cm (4.69")
Date of Manufacture

Ritas Bazaar has dated these Japanese Imari Porcelain Cups to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1220136
Dealers Internal Ref
B1779
Ritas Bazaar
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2025
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Ritas Bazaar Profile Page

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A pair of late 19th-century white Japanese Imari porcelain handleless sencha teacups hand-painted with figures at low desks and floral motifs in iron red and black enamels.
1 / 9
Archive I A pair of late 19th-century white Japanese Imari porcelain handleless sencha teacups hand-painted with figures at low desks and floral motifs in iron red and black enamels.

Pair of Japanese Imari Porcelain Sencha Tea Cups, Ginshōtei Gyokushi, C.1890

Archive II A pair of late 19th-century white Japanese Imari porcelain handleless sencha teacups hand-painted with figures at low desks and floral motifs in iron red and black enamels. View II
Archive III A pair of late 19th-century white Japanese Imari porcelain handleless sencha teacups hand-painted with figures at low desks and floral motifs in iron red and black enamels. View III
Archive IV A pair of late 19th-century white Japanese Imari porcelain handleless sencha teacups hand-painted with figures at low desks and floral motifs in iron red and black enamels. View IV
Archive V A pair of late 19th-century white Japanese Imari porcelain handleless sencha teacups hand-painted with figures at low desks and floral motifs in iron red and black enamels. View V
Archive VI A pair of late 19th-century white Japanese Imari porcelain handleless sencha teacups hand-painted with figures at low desks and floral motifs in iron red and black enamels. View VI
Archive VII A pair of late 19th-century white Japanese Imari porcelain handleless sencha teacups hand-painted with figures at low desks and floral motifs in iron red and black enamels. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of late 19th-century white Japanese Imari porcelain handleless sencha teacups hand-painted with figures at low desks and floral motifs in iron red and black enamels. View VIII
Archive IX A pair of late 19th-century white Japanese Imari porcelain handleless sencha teacups hand-painted with figures at low desks and floral motifs in iron red and black enamels. View IX
Enlarged Archival View

Ritas Bazaar
Telephone 07938 910153
Location
Hertfordshire
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/ritasbazaar
Verified Since Nov 2025
Items For Sale 262
Items Sold 55
Ritas Bazaar
Verified Since Nov 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/ritasbazaar
Verified
Nov 2025
For Sale
262
Sold
55
A pair of late 19th-century white Japanese Imari porcelain handleless sencha teacups hand-painted with figures at low desks and floral motifs in iron red and black enamels.
Pair of Japanese Imari porcelain sencha tea cups, Ginshōtei Gyokushi, c.1890
Ref: SA1220136
A pair of late 19th-century white Japanese Imari porcelain handleless sencha teacups hand-painted with figures at low desks and floral motifs in iron red and black enamels.
Detail View 1
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Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectTea Cups
  • Period19th century
  • StyleMeiji Period
  • MaterialPorcelain, Enamel
  • ColourWhite and Red
  • MotifsHandleless profile, Low foot rim, Hand-painted figures, Floral blossom border
  • SizeH 8.5 cm (3 in) x W 11.9 cm (5 in) x D 11.9 cm (5 in)

This pair of 19th-century Japanese Imari porcelain sencha tea cups originates from the Meiji period, circa 1890, and comes from Arita in the Imari tradition. Each handleless vessel stands on a low foot rim and possesses a white glazed body hand-painted with figural narratives in iron-red, black, cobalt blue, green and gold gosai enamels alongside floral blossom borders. Visible details include figures seated beside low wooden writing tables, folded patterned garments, floral motifs, and a swelling lower profile that leads to a slightly constricted rim. The cups measure 8.5 cm high, 11.9 cm wide and 11.9 cm deep. Traditional sencha-wan cups function as fine loose-leaf tea vessels within senchadō culture, designed to concentrate aroma and retain warmth. Today, they suit display upon a sideboard top within a living room or dining space. Each piece exhibits an excellent preserved condition free of chips, cracks or restoration, complete with hand-painted iron-red workshop marks to the base.

FAQs

Produced in the late 19th century during Japans Meiji period, Imari porcelain was crafted primarily for export and refined domestic use, known for its vibrant overglaze enamel work and intricate figurative or botanical compositions.

These pieces were crafted from fine white kaolin porcelain clay, decorated with underglaze cobalt blue and painted with overglaze polychrome enamels including iron-red, green, and gold detailing.

Authentic pieces generally feature hand-applied painterly details, subtle surface irregularities, traditional maker marks or signatures painted on the base, and age-appropriate wear to the footrim.

Small porcelain items can be displayed as decorative accents on sideboards, integrated into curated open shelving, or arranged alongside contemporary tabletop ceramics.

Clean gently by hand using lukewarm water and mild soap, avoiding abrasive sponges, harsh chemical cleaners, or dishwashers to protect delicate overglaze enamels.
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