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 Ginshotei Gyokushi-zo, meaning ''Made by Gyokushi of the Ginshotei studio''. Ginshotei 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 senchado. Their distinctive form, with a swell...