Posted 7 years ago
LarsonMrs
(5 items)
This darling little set came to us via grandma. In researching the mark this is what we found. If anyone has additional information we'd love to hear from you.
4 pc. set includes: Footed, roly-poly salt & pepper shakers, footed mustard cup with lid, & open-handled, oval tray.
Description: pink/red Lotus flower with china blue leaves; China blue tray with 5-petal, pink flower on each handle.
RESEARCH NOTES: Pottery type -- Arita (Imari) porcelain - produced in the 'Saga' prefecture of 'Kyushu', by Seiei & Co. who was in business before WWII and closed in 1962. Mark: Bird in Circle, "Hand Painted, Made in Japan". circa 1920-1930. Likely specialized in "Lustre ware". -- (Source: "Some Suggestions for Souvenir Seekers", by the Japanese Government Railway; mid-late 1930s.)
Darling is the right word. I like the way Seiei were restrained with their lustre, and the modelling here is just beautiful. You are so lucky to have a complete set. I am almost sure these are pre-war.
The pictures don't give it justice...the blue is so much more "blue". I was surprised when our research revealed it was "Imari", since everything we'd found up until then showed such elaborately decorated porcelain. These are so simple. It's interesting to note grandpa served in the Pacific during WWII and his ship was sunk by Japanese kamikaze pilots (he survived). We're not sure how these pieces came into grandma's possession.