Japanese Blue and White Porcelain Chawanmushi Lidded Cup

Story

Dating to the mid-to-late 1900s, this vessel was crafted to withstand the steam of traditional Japanese kitchens. Its lid serves a dual purpose: keeping savory custards hot while cooking, and acting as a small saucer for discarded shells or garnishes during the meal.

Maker / Origin

While unsigned, this piece comes from the rich heritage of Japanese mass-production kilns, likely in the Saga (Arita) or Aichi (Seto) prefectures. These regions have spent over 400 years perfecting the art of durable, beautiful everyday tableware, blending folk art sensibilities with industrial precision.

Condition & Value

The cup body appears to be in good condition, but the lid has a significant, rough chip along its inner rim. This structural damage reduces the value of the set by approximately 50% compared to a pristine example. This is a common, mass-produced vintage tableware item rather than a rare collector's piece.