Yokohama-Kutani Service for 8 Persons – Takasaka Workshop – 28 pcs – Meiji Period Description: A highly refined, 28-piece Japanese export porcelain tea and coffee service for 8 persons, dating to the late Meiji period (c. 1890–1912). This sophisticated set represents a rare find on the European market, as fully complete, multi-piece functional services from this workshop are exceptionally difficult to encounter intact. The primary vessels bear the handwritten iron-red six-character mark: 大日本 高坂造 (Dai Nippon Takasaka zō), directly attributing the manufacture to the renowned workshop of Takasaka Takejirō (Yokohama-Kutani style). • Artisan Miniature Painting: Finely hand-painted miniature figural scenes executed with remarkable linear precision. The scenes depict elegant courtly ladies (bijin) and scholars in traditional pavilion interiors and coastal landscapes. • Technique: The garments are rendered using raised relief enamels (moriage) complemented by multi-layered liquid gilding featuring traditional geometric and floral borders with a tactile, textured finish. • Scholarly Calligraphy: A key feature enhancing the collector's value and rarity of this service is the handwritten poetic and literary inscriptions executed in fine black ink on several pieces, including the cups and plates, complete with the artist's signature. Dimensions & Contents (28 pieces): • 1 x Large pot with lid — Height: 16 cm • 1 x Teapot with lid and internal strainer — Height: 12.5 cm • 1 x Sugar bowl with lid — Height: 10 cm • 1 x Creamer — Height: 10 cm • 8 x Large plates — Diameter: 18.5 cm • 8 x Small plates (saucers) — Diameter: 12 cm • 8 x Cups — Height: 6 cm | Depth: 5 cm Condition Report: Good historical condition. Enamels and gilding are well-preserved with minor, age-appropriate wear to the gold layers. No historical restorations. One cup exhibits hairline cracks and minor flea bites/scattered enamel losses to the body (accurately documented in the macro photographs). The remaining 27 pieces are free from structural cracks, chips, or defects. Packaging & Shipping: The service will be professionally packed for transit. Every piece will be individually wrapped in multiple layers of bubble wrap. The entire ensemble will be secured inside a heavy-duty box with abundant shock-absorbing fill to protect the delicate porcelain. The package will be shipped fully insured with an online tracking number provided.