Japanese Sterling Silver 4 Pc Tea Set Stand Meiji Fish

Magnificent and very rare Japanese sterling silver tea set, made in Japan in the Meiji period and dating from circa 1880-1890.

This is a simply stunning tea set comprising of tea pot, stand with burner, two-handled sugar bowl, milk jug and cream jug, each piece chased all round in high relief with many different fish swimming around amid swirling waves and underwater plants.

The quality znd the detail of the chasing is quite simply superb, each individual fish being different and done with the highest degree of craftsmanship.

The lid of the tea pot is also set with a round clear crystal or glass ball as finial which is fixed to the lid with silver figural waves lapping around it.

These pieces were generally made in Yokohama, Japan, by The Samurai Shokai Company (whilst the tray bears Japanese hallmarks and maker's mark, I am afraid that I do not know who the maker is). They were made not only for the very wealthy Japanese of the time but also they were made for export both to U.S.A. to compete with pieces being made at the time by Tiffany & Co., New York, as well as for export to Europe. Indeed, pieces can be found with UK import marks for Liberty & Co. for retail through their Regent Street Store in London.

Historically, in the 1880's both New York and London were gripped with a fascination with all things Japanese - Gilbert & Sullivan even putting on The Mikado at their Savoy Theatre - and it was at this time when some of the most prestigous department stores were holding exhibitions and importing for the first time both produce and works of art from Japan.

This set is absolutely magnifient.

Each piece has individual and different fish swimming around them and they are all chased in very high relief.

The tea pot is 7 inches  177 mm wide and it stands 5 inches / 127 mm high. It weighs 479 grams.

The two handled sugar bowl is 6-1/2 inches / 165 mm wide and it stands 3 inches / 76 mm high. It weighs 250 grams.

The milk jug is 6-1/2 inches / 165 mm x 4-1/4 inches / 107 mm and it stands 2-1/2 inches / 63 mm high. it weighs 265 grams.

The cream jug is 5 inches / 127 mm x 3-1/4 inches / 82 mm and it stands 2-3/4 inches / 70 mm high. It weighs 143 grams.

The stand with it's removable burner is 5-1/4 inches / 134 mm in diametre and it stands 3-3/4 inches / 96 mm in diametre. It weighs 405 grams.

This is a very heavy set and it weighs in total an impressive 1,542 grams - so over 1-1/2 kilos.

The underside of each piece bears Japanese hallmarks / maker's mark.

NOTE: Please take a look also at the matching huge silver tray that I will be listing at the same time.

I accept payment via Paypal, debit or credit cards as well as personal cheques in Pounds Sterling drawn on a UK bank. For international customers, by arrangement payment may also be done via bank wire transfer.

I will post worldwide and I aim to despatch items within 3 days from receipt of payment. Shipments within UK are via Royal Mail Special Delivery next day service. Overseas shipments are via Royal Mail International signed for service. If you require shipment via courier service (eg TNT/UPS etc), this can be arranged at additional cost by mutual agreement.

All items are well packed in brand new carton boxes and appropriate bubble wrap / tissue paper etc.

If you have any questions, please contact me via email (dccot@aol.com) or you can phone me in UK on 020 7258 1159 or 07768 876825.

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