Posted 1 year ago
Blueyecon
(24 items)
This set is marked Japan on the cups and saucers. Made in Japan is on the tea pot. The interior is lacquered finish, never used. The Trivet is not Japanese but the tea tray is a common way to serve the tea with holes to fill in case of spillage. It has dragonfly designs on the cups, saucers and teapot. It is heavy cast iron with a bronze finish. I just love it. But I'm not sure of the age or actual origin of these pieces. If you know, I would appreciate your feedback. Thanks!
Nice teapot and accessories. All the cast iron pieces made by Iwachu of Japan. Teapot made circa 2019 to present. Cups and saucers older, probably 1980s. Is the warmer marked?
No idea about the wooden trivet. I prefer non-metallic trivets as metal ones mar the bottom of the teapot. I advise against using the warmer, as well, since flame can also damage the bottom and interior of the teapot and it is not very effective, anyway. If concerned about keeping the contents hot, just pre-warm it with hot water, empty, and add new hot water to brew tea with.
I posted a similar teapot here:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/291687-iwachu-reiwa-era-dragonfly-cast-iron
KWQD- Thanks for this information. The warmer is not marked and is not part of the set. I picked it up later and do not have intentions to use it. I just display it in the second cut out on the tea tray. I'm not a tea drinker but I love unusual and beautiful things. I paid about $35.00 for the teapot and the 4 cups and saucers at a resale store. I picked up the tea tray for $3.00 at a flea market. It took me a while to determine what it was. All together I have less than $50.00 in this display and I have it in my dining room with a few other Asian collectibles I obtained. I ended up using the links you posted on another users inquiry to learn about the casting process and found it quite interesting. I love the idea these are a continuing tradition, whether they are mass produced or not. The culture is so interesting to me. I looked at your tea pot through the link you provided. Same design, different coloring and it's beautiful. Your explanation there was fascinating. The cups and saucers on mine have a different makers mark than the teapot but the reseller had all of these pieces in a grouping. The marking on third photo is the teapot and it says "Made in Japan" while the markings on the cups and saucers only say "Japan" along with the Japanese symbols. I have recently became very interested in Japanese pieces and picked up some Nippon pieces which are really beautiful. One is a serving bowl and saucer and the other a hair receiver.
Thanks again for your comments. I've enjoyed looking at your posting and learning from you! I would say, "It's tea time", but I will probably just have ice water. Have a great evening. :)
Glad to be of assistance, Blueyecon. Japanese foundries are in danger of becoming extinct due to cheap, inferior cast iron products from China. The majority of people buy the Chinese stuff do not understand the difference between that and quality Japanese cast iron. Sad.