{"product_id":"vintage-japanese-kansai-fine-china-tea-cup-set-5-piece-cobalt-blue-saucer-gold-leaf-porcelain-modern-tableware-collectibles-jade-leaves","title":"Vintage Japanese Kansai Fine China Tea Cup Set | 5 Piece Cobalt Blue Saucer Gold Leaf Porcelain | Modern Tableware Collectibles Jade Leaves","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Story Behind This Piece:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNestled within the rich, bountiful nature of the Chugoku Mountains, in a mountainous region in the northern part of Hiroshima Prefecture where winter transforms the landscape into a deep world of silvery white, stands a quiet, historic residence. Deep within the grounds of this traditional folk house, which has woven the lives of several generations since the Meiji period, sits an old storehouse protected by heavy, thick plastered walls. When the heavy wooden doors of this storehouse, where time seemed to have stopped entirely, were opened for the first time in a quarter of a century, a magnificent vintage masterpiece emerged from the dim darkness, quietly reflecting the light—a beautiful porcelain work adorned with delicate gold-leafed foliage, crafted under the direction of the world-renowned genius designer, Kansai Yamamoto.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis exquisite piece was created during the 1980s, a golden era when exceptional Japanese craftsmanship and avant-garde modern design achieved a fortunate and harmonious fusion. During this period, Kansai Yamamoto, who was rewriting the rules of the fashion world in Paris and London, sought to transcend the boundaries of apparel. He attempted to reflect his passionate, vivid design philosophy into the realm of tableware that colors people's daily lives most intimately. This masterpiece was born as the crystallization of that very vision. Against the crisp, translucent white of high-quality porcelain, a deep lapis lazuli glaze that looks as though a piece of the night sky has been captured is beautifully blurred, upon which three-dimensional golden leaves that retain the memory of precise handwork are elegantly rendered. It completely transcends the realm of ordinary mass production, standing as a pinnacle of Japanese beauty that possesses significant Mingei cultural value in the modern era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original owner of this beautiful vessel was the young lady of a distinguished family that had managed vast local forestlands for generations in northern Hiroshima. While harboring a deep admiration for sophisticated urban culture, she passionately loved the natural beauty of the mountain village where she lived, and she regularly held small cultural salons and tea gatherings in her spacious tatami room, inviting local residents and intellectuals. In the cheerful and vibrant atmosphere of the 1980s, these vessels served as the centerpiece of her salon, delighting the eyes of visiting guests. On a fresh afternoon of early summer, she would pour aromatic homegrown roasted green tea, admiring the brilliant contrast between the fan-shaped gold accents and the green touches inside the cups. On an autumn evening, she would pair them with favorite seasonal wagashi, discussing the deepening beauty of the season. Its modern yet traditionally rooted presence was a special symbol of a refined lifestyle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, as the late 1990s approached, the tide of the times shifted, and people's lifestyles transitioned toward greater simplicity and rationality. With the passing of generations and the busy nature of modern life, opportunities to host large salons naturally decreased, and these special vessels gradually lost their stage. Fearing that they might be broken, the family handled these vessels, which were filled with precious memories, with the utmost care and decided to store them away in the darkness of the storehouse of their traditional house in northern Hiroshima, where the art pieces and tools of their ancestors slept. Protected from all light, with temperature and humidity kept perfectly constant throughout the year, the dark storehouse became a flawless time capsule for the vessels, where they continued to sleep peacefully in an absolutely immaculate, flawless condition for a quarter of a century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTime flowed on, and in the modern Reiwa era, a sustainable renovation and an authentic clearing of the storehouse were undertaken to healthily pass this historic folk house down to the next generation. When the doors of the storehouse were thrown open to pass this beauty on to modern users, these vessels made a miraculous return to the world, once again radiating an overwhelming brilliance under the contemporary light, a brilliance that had not diminished in the slightest despite the passage of nearly half a century. The deep emotion we feel today when holding this vessel is not mere nostalgic retro sentimentality. It is nothing less than the spirit of \"wabi-sabi,\" unique to Japan, which finds true beauty in the subtle irregularities of handwork within perfect porcelain, in the imperfect, and in the profound passage of time itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis vintage masterpiece exudes a timeless charm that beautifully harmonizes with diverse modern lifestyles and contemporary interior spaces. Beyond traditional tea times with green tea or roasted green tea, it satisfies modern creativity, allowing you to use the cups independently for fragrant espresso or herbal teas, while utilizing the beautiful lapis lazuli saucers to serve small confections or amuse-bouches. Having undergone a long sleep amidst the rich nature of Hiroshima and wearing a matured story upon its body, this vessel will surely bring deep intellect and a luxurious, mindful moment to your daily dining table. We warmly invite you to welcome this one-of-a-kind vintage piece, where historical romance and monumental design fuse, as the new centerpiece of your mindful, beautiful life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Notes:\u003cbr\u003ePlease note before purchasing.\u003cbr\u003eThis is a vintage or antique item sold as-is.\u003cbr\u003eDue to age and long-term storage, natural signs of wear and aging may be present, including:\u003cbr\u003e* small scratches or scuffs\u003cbr\u003e* fading or discoloration\u003cbr\u003e* glaze irregularities or imperfections\u003cbr\u003e* crackling (crazing), kiln marks, or gold wear\u003cbr\u003e* slight warping or age-related changes in wooden parts\u003cbr\u003eVintage and antique items may also carry natural storage-related scents from wood, paper, lacquer, smoke, or long-term preservation environments.\u003cbr\u003eThese characteristics are part of the individuality, historical character, and quiet beauty that vintage Japanese items carry.\u003cbr\u003eThey are not flaws, but the gentle traces of time.\u003cbr\u003eWe kindly ask for your understanding that vintage and antique items differ from newly manufactured products.\u003cbr\u003eWe do our best to show all notable details in the photos, but some small imperfections may not be fully visible.\u003cbr\u003ePlease review the dimensions carefully before purchasing, as photos may make items appear larger or smaller depending on display settings and shooting conditions.\u003cbr\u003ePlease note that colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.\u003cbr\u003eOnly the items shown in the photos are included unless otherwise stated.\u003cbr\u003eDisplay stands, decorative props, or accessories used for photography are not included unless explicitly stated.\u003cbr\u003eThank you for appreciating the character and spirit of these timeworn pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 5.2 cm (2.05 in)\u003cbr\u003eBase Diameter: 3.9 cm (1.54 in)\u003cbr\u003eRim Diameter: 8.8 × 8.8 cm (3.46 × 3.46 in)\u003cbr\u003eMaximum Circumference: 28.1 cm (11.06 in)\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 105 g (3.70 oz)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShipping Information:\u003cbr\u003eAll items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.\u003cbr\u003eOrders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.\u003cbr\u003eFor shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS with full tracking and insurance.\u003cbr\u003eFor all other destinations, orders are shipped via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS depending on the destination and shipping conditions.\u003cbr\u003eEach item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure safe delivery.\u003cbr\u003eEstimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, and customs inspections.\u003cbr\u003eInternational Buyers – Duties, VAT \u0026amp; Taxes:\u003cbr\u003eImport duties \/ customs duties are covered by us for all available shipping destinations.\u003cbr\u003eHowever, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, and other local import-related charges are not included in the item price unless otherwise stated.\u003cbr\u003eThese charges are the responsibility of the buyer.\u003cbr\u003eDepending on your country’s regulations, these charges may be collected either by local customs authorities or by the shipping carrier upon delivery.\u003cbr\u003eFor many higher-value international orders, VAT\/GST and import-related processing charges are commonly collected at the time of delivery.\u003cbr\u003ePlease note that free shipping or customs duty coverage does not mean that VAT\/GST or local import-related charges are included.\u003cbr\u003eEven when customs duties are covered by us, VAT\/GST and local import-related charges may still be payable separately by the buyer upon delivery.\u003cbr\u003eWe do not mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.\u003cbr\u003ePlease ensure that your shipping address and contact information are accurate and complete.\u003cbr\u003eIf a package is returned due to an incorrect address, unpaid VAT\/GST or import-related charges, refusal, or failed delivery, all return and reshipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.\u003cbr\u003eInternational deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures or local postal conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDamage During Shipping:\u003cbr\u003eIn the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and provide clear photos of:\u003cbr\u003e* the damaged item\u003cbr\u003e* the outer shipping box\u003cbr\u003e* the inside packaging condition\u003cbr\u003e* the shipping label\u003cbr\u003ePlease keep all packaging materials and damaged items until the shipping carrier completes the investigation.\u003cbr\u003eMinor imperfections consistent with the nature of vintage or antique items are not considered shipping damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReturns \u0026amp; Refunds:\u003cbr\u003eAll items are vintage or antique and sold as-is.\u003cbr\u003eDue to the nature of vintage and antique items, we generally do not accept returns, cancellations, or refunds except where required by law or covered by shipping insurance.\u003cbr\u003eReturns or refunds are not accepted for reasons such as:\u003cbr\u003e* change of mind\u003cbr\u003e* customs delays\u003cbr\u003e* minor differences in condition\u003cbr\u003e* color differences\u003cbr\u003e* texture variations\u003cbr\u003e* size impression differences\u003cbr\u003e* natural signs of age and wear\u003cbr\u003eHowever, if severe loss or damage during shipping is officially confirmed by the carrier’s insurance, we will respond within the scope of the insurance coverage.\u003cbr\u003eFor customers in the UK and EU, applicable consumer protection laws and cooling-off rights will take precedence where required by law.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSafety \u0026amp; Usage:\u003cbr\u003eThese items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.\u003cbr\u003eThey are not toys and are not suitable for direct food use.\u003cbr\u003eVintage ceramics may contain historical materials or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.\u003cbr\u003eWe cannot guarantee suitability for modern food, beverage, dishwasher, microwave, oven, or direct cooking use.\u003cbr\u003ePlease enjoy them as decorative objects that bring quiet beauty and history into your space.\u003cbr\u003eHandle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiability Disclaimer:\u003cbr\u003eWe cannot be held responsible for any accidents, damage, allergic reactions, injury, loss, or issues resulting from the use, handling, aging, restoration, transportation, or storage of vintage or antique items.\u003cbr\u003eAll products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper handling, display, usage, and storage.\u003cbr\u003eBy completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional Notes by Region:\u003cbr\u003e■ United States\u003cbr\u003eState taxes, such as Sales Tax, may be collected according to local regulations.\u003cbr\u003eCalifornia Proposition 65:\u2028Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, or antique finishes. This notice is provided for informational purposes only.\u003cbr\u003e■ European Union (EU)\u003cbr\u003eOur shop is not registered for IOSS or EU VAT collection.\u003cbr\u003eImport VAT, customs processing fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges may be collected upon delivery according to local regulations.\u003cbr\u003eThese charges are the responsibility of the buyer.\u003cbr\u003e■ United Kingdom\u003cbr\u003eOur shop is not registered for UK VAT collection.\u003cbr\u003eImport VAT and related charges may be collected upon delivery.\u003cbr\u003eThe buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes.\u003cbr\u003e■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand\u003cbr\u003eImport VAT\/GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.\u003cbr\u003eFor Taiwan:\u2028Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.\u003cbr\u003e■ Hong Kong\u003cbr\u003eHong Kong currently does not generally impose VAT\/GST on imported goods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContact Us:\u003cbr\u003eIf you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, usage, dimensions, or condition, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.\u003cbr\u003eWe’re happy to assist you and will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.\u003cbr\u003eThank you for considering a piece from our kura — each item carries a quiet story shaped by time in Japan.\u003cbr\u003eThis piece is part of our curated collection discovered in rural Japan.\u003cbr\u003eOn our official website, we share:\u003cbr\u003e– the story of the kura (traditional Japanese storehouse) where this item was discovered\u2028– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday life\u2028– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere\u003cbr\u003eWe hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"meguru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59448134074654,"sku":"A01-390","price":35451.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0954\/8451\/0494\/files\/IMG_9087.jpg?v=1781160831","url":"https:\/\/megurujapan.com\/de\/products\/vintage-japanese-kansai-fine-china-tea-cup-set-5-piece-cobalt-blue-saucer-gold-leaf-porcelain-modern-tableware-collectibles-jade-leaves","provider":"meguru","version":"1.0","type":"link"}