Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A curated tea set featuring two Hagi-ware style glazed ceramic cups and a side-handle Yixing-style unglazed purple clay (zisha) teapot. The teapot features a low-profile 'Xishi' or 'Stone Scoop' influence with a decorative relief lid, while the cups showcase a classic crackle glaze and brush-stroke accents.
Story
Tea masters in the 16th century prized Hagi-ware for its 'living' quality; the glaze absorbs tea oils, changing color over decades of use. This set blends that Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic with China's legendary purple clay tradition.
Maker / Origin
While the specific workshop is not identified, the yellow box features the characters for 'Hagi-Yaki,' a celebrated Japanese pottery style from Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The teapot follows the Yixing tradition of Jiangsu province, where artisans have used iron-rich 'zisha' clay since the Song Dynasty to enhance the flavor of tea.
Condition & Value
The set appears to be in excellent, possibly unused condition with the original box. The red cord on the teapot lid is a traditional safety feature to prevent the lid from falling and breaking during pouring. Excellent condition preserves the full market value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.