Cup and saucer (4) - Eggshell - Geisha Tea Cups & Saucers

An elegant set of 4 Japanese Kutani "Eggshell" Porcelain Geisha Tea Cups & Saucers, hand-painted during the early 20th century (Taisho to early Showa era, ca. 1915–1930).

This beautiful set features the highly sought-after, intricate "Geisha Girl" pattern, meticulously executed with fine line work. The central panels depict traditional Japanese ladies (bijin) strolling through a garden pavilion beside a lake. The scenes are framed by classic, dense Kutani geometric borders painted in rich iron-red enamel and heavily accented with kinran-de (gold brocade) detailing, which extends across the handles and rims.

Maker's Mark:The base of the saucers features the authentic, vertically hand-painted iron-red signature: 中田製 (Nakata-sei / "Made by Nakata"). The absence of Western text (like "Made in Japan") points to an earlier production window within the export era.

Condition: Please review the condition details carefully, as the set shows varying degrees of preservation.
Saucers: All 4 saucers are in excellent condition with vibrant enamels and only minimal, age-appropriate wear to the overglaze gold luster. No chips or cracks.
Cups (2 Pieces): In excellent vintage condition. Clear ringing sound when tested, completely free of chips, cracks, or restorations. Gold on handles is well-preserved.
Cup (1 Piece): Shows a small, tight hairline fracture located on the top lip/rim. Otherwise intact.
Cup (1 Piece): Shows a hairline fracture running from the upper lip down toward the body, and another tight hairline near the base.

Dimensions
Cup Height: 5.5 cm Cup Diameter: 5 cm
Saucer Diameter: 11 cm Saucer Height: 2 cm

Shipping & Packaging

Due to the incredibly fragile nature of antique "eggshell" porcelain, this lot will be packaged with professional care. It will be securely double-boxed with ample bubble wrap and shipped insured with tracking code.