Overview
A striking porcelain tea service featuring the 'Dragon and Phoenix' motif, heavily embellished with brilliant gold gilding.
Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A striking porcelain tea service featuring the 'Dragon and Phoenix' motif, heavily embellished with brilliant gold gilding.
Story
During the 1950s, Japanese ceramicists turned their ancient kilns toward the West, creating vibrant pieces that brought Eastern mythology into suburban living rooms.
Maker / Origin
While the specific workshop is not identified by a signature, the red 'Made in Japan' mark is characteristic of the massive export industry centered in Nagoya and Seto.
Condition & Value
The set appears to be in very good vintage condition with no visible cracks or large chips. There is some expected light rubbing and wear to the gold gilding on the handles and the rim of the tray, which is common for pieces of this age.
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.
Regional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375