Meiji Period Japanese Kutani Tea/Dessert Set-Service for 4

Details: Antique Japanese porcelain Kutani tea & dessert service featuring finely hand painted butterflies, star shaped flowers and a gold geometric radial design with iron red and gilt accents over watercolor-hued, gray blossoms. The set includes: a 8.25" diameter cake stand, a 40 oz. teapot, a lidded creamer and a double handled sugar pot  (all with butterfly finials on their lids and scalloped bases), in addition to four scalloped dessert plates and four 6 oz. cups with painted interiors and matching saucers. The bottom of each piece has a red rectangular stamp with gold characters indicating it is Kutani Watano Sei from the Meiji period(1868-1912). 

Dimensions:

• Teapot= 8.5"w x 5.5"d x 8"h
• Sugar= 6.5"w x 7.25"h
• Creamer= 6"w x 4.5"d x 6.5"h
• Dessert Plate = 7.25"diameter
• Saucers=5.5" diameter
• Cake Stand=5.25"h

Condition: In excellent condition despite the fragile, eggshell quality of the porcelain. No wear on the gilt or chips. One of the tea cups has been repaired, however and does not hold liquid and there is a superficial crack on the interior of the teapot, however, it does still hold water (see detailed photos).