Vintage Nikko Japan | Double Phoenix | Tea Cup Saucer Set of 6 | Orange Blue Willow | Ironstone | Japanese Sansui China | Retro Dinnerware

The Story Behind This Piece:

Deep in the mountainous northern region of Hiroshima Prefecture, where the landscape is shrouded in heavy snow during winter, lies an ancient village with a history of iron manufacturing and wealthy farming estates. These six teacups and saucers emerged from a "Kura" (a traditional storehouse) of a 150-year-old minka (folk house). Protected by thick earthen walls, the storehouse had preserved the memories of generations, keeping a stable humidity through the decades. From a dust-covered wooden chest, this masterpiece of 1960s craftsmanship was rediscovered: the "NIKKO JAPAN" Double Phoenix "Nishiki-Sansui" (Ironstone Willow) set.

Manufactured in the 1960s by Nippon Koshitsu Toki (now NIKKO Company), this series is a sublime fusion of the classic English "Willow Pattern" and Japanese "Ironstone" technology. Unlike modern mass-produced items, these pieces carry the warmth of "handicraft" from an era of rapid growth. The subtle fluctuations in the gold gilding and the beautiful "Kannyu" (fine crackle glaze) visible in the images are not flaws; they are the embodiment of "wabi-sabi"—the Japanese aesthetic that finds sublime beauty in the passage of time and imperfection. These cracks are the breath of the ceramic itself, matured in the silent, crisp air of northern Hiroshima.

The original owner was the matriarch of this prestigious rural family. Even in the secluded mountains, she was a woman of refined taste who embraced the burgeoning modern culture of the 1960s. During the Mid-Century period, owning such a set in the rural north was a symbol of immense prestige. She would present these cups during village gatherings or when hosting honored guests, serving tea in a room warmed by a wood-burning stove. The Oriental design—depicting weeping willows, a bridge, and two birds representing a legendary Chinese love story—served as a "window" for her to dream of distant lands while living in the quiet mountains.

The reason these treasures were tucked away in the storehouse dates back to the late 1970s. As the world moved toward practical, microwave-safe, and disposable mass-market ceramics, she chose to protect her beloved set from being mistreated or forgotten. "Until the day comes when someone can truly appreciate their value again," she thought, as she carefully wiped each piece and tucked them away in the depths of the Kura. For nearly half a century, the Nishiki-Sansui set remained in a graceful slumber, untouched by the changing world outside.

The decision to bring them out of the storehouse now comes as the old folk house prepares to be passed on to a new generation. Those present at the opening of the crate were reportedly breathless at the elegance the orange and indigo patterns still radiated in the darkness. In today’s market, 1960s NIKKO pieces—especially those bearing the "Double Phoenix" mark—hold significant "Mingei" (folk art) value. They represent the peak of Japanese modernization, where Western style met Eastern spirit in perfect harmony.

The slight fading of the gold gilding is a testament to the warm conversations once shared over these cups. The smooth, substantial weight of the ironstone and the intricate patterns of the crackle glaze offer a sensory experience that modern ceramics cannot replicate. This "Nishiki-Sansui" set is more than just vintage tableware; it is a "living history" of a woman’s noble aesthetic and the soul of Japanese craftsmanship nurtured in the harsh yet beautiful nature of Hiroshima. We hope these pieces find a home with someone who cherishes the story they carry, allowing them to add color to daily life once again.

Condition & Notes:
Please note before purchasing.
This is a vintage or antique item sold as-is.
Due to age and long-term storage, natural signs of wear and aging may be present, including:
* small scratches or scuffs
* fading or discoloration
* glaze irregularities or imperfections
* crackling (crazing), kiln marks, or gold wear
* slight warping or age-related changes in wooden parts
Vintage and antique items may also carry natural storage-related scents from wood, paper, lacquer, smoke, or long-term preservation environments.
These characteristics are part of the individuality, historical character, and quiet beauty that vintage Japanese items carry.
They are not flaws, but the gentle traces of time.
We kindly ask for your understanding that vintage and antique items differ from newly manufactured products.
We do our best to show all notable details in the photos, but some small imperfections may not be fully visible.
Please review the dimensions carefully before purchasing, as photos may make items appear larger or smaller depending on display settings and shooting conditions.
Please note that colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.
Only the items shown in the photos are included unless otherwise stated.
Display stands, decorative props, or accessories used for photography are not included unless explicitly stated.
Thank you for appreciating the character and spirit of these timeworn pieces.

Dimensions:

■Cup
Height: 6.3 cm (2.48 in)
Base Diameter: 4.9 cm (1.93 in)
Rim Diameter: 9.8 × 9.8 cm (3.86 × 3.86 in)
Maximum Circumference: 29.5 cm (11.61 in)
Weight: 150 g (5.29 oz)

■Saucer
Height: 2.2 cm (0.87 in)
Width: 14.7 cm (5.79 in)
Depth: 14.7 cm (5.79 in)
Base Diameter: 9.3 cm (3.66 in)
Weight: 165 g (5.82 oz)

Shipping Information:
All items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.
For shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS with full tracking and insurance.
For all other destinations, orders are shipped via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS depending on the destination and shipping conditions.
Each item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure safe delivery.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, and customs inspections.
International Buyers – Duties, VAT & Taxes:
Import duties / customs duties are covered by us for all available shipping destinations.
However, 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.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
Depending on your country’s regulations, these charges may be collected either by local customs authorities or by the shipping carrier upon delivery.
For many higher-value international orders, VAT/GST and import-related processing charges are commonly collected at the time of delivery.
Please note that free shipping or customs duty coverage does not mean that VAT/GST or local import-related charges are included.
Even when customs duties are covered by us, VAT/GST and local import-related charges may still be payable separately by the buyer upon delivery.
We do not mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.
Please ensure that your shipping address and contact information are accurate and complete.
If 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.
International deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures or local postal conditions.

Damage During Shipping:
In the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and provide clear photos of:
* the damaged item
* the outer shipping box
* the inside packaging condition
* the shipping label
Please keep all packaging materials and damaged items until the shipping carrier completes the investigation.
Minor imperfections consistent with the nature of vintage or antique items are not considered shipping damage.

Returns & Refunds:
All items are vintage or antique and sold as-is.
Due 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.
Returns or refunds are not accepted for reasons such as:
* change of mind
* customs delays
* minor differences in condition
* color differences
* texture variations
* size impression differences
* natural signs of age and wear
However, 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.
For customers in the UK and EU, applicable consumer protection laws and cooling-off rights will take precedence where required by law.

Safety & Usage:
These items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.
They are not toys and are not suitable for direct food use.
Vintage ceramics may contain historical materials or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.
We cannot guarantee suitability for modern food, beverage, dishwasher, microwave, oven, or direct cooking use.
Please enjoy them as decorative objects that bring quiet beauty and history into your space.
Handle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or heat.

Liability Disclaimer:
We 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.
All products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper handling, display, usage, and storage.
By completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Additional Notes by Region:
■ United States
State taxes, such as Sales Tax, may be collected according to local regulations.
California Proposition 65:
Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, or antique finishes. This notice is provided for informational purposes only.
■ European Union (EU)
Our shop is not registered for IOSS or EU VAT collection.
Import VAT, customs processing fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges may be collected upon delivery according to local regulations.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
■ United Kingdom
Our shop is not registered for UK VAT collection.
Import VAT and related charges may be collected upon delivery.
The buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes.
■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand
Import VAT/GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.
For Taiwan:
Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.
■ Hong Kong
Hong Kong currently does not generally impose VAT/GST on imported goods.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, usage, dimensions, or condition, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.
We’re happy to assist you and will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.
Thank you for considering a piece from our kura — each item carries a quiet story shaped by time in Japan.
This piece is part of our curated collection discovered in rural Japan.
On our official website, we share:
– the story of the kura (traditional Japanese storehouse) where this item was discovered
– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday life
– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere
We hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.