Handpaited porcelain cup decorated with a bird and grape design Signature: The blue underglaze characters (kanji) in the centre are typical of the signatures of the Sakaida Kakiemon line, one of Japan’s most renowned pottery families from Arita. Similar markings are frequently found on pieces from the 13th or 14th generation of Kakiemon. Decoration: The fine red and blue rings (bands) on the foot are characteristic of high-quality Arita ware, particularly in the Somenishiki style, which combines underglaze blue with overglaze colours. Inventory label: The small sticker bearing the inscription ‘62.7.3’ could be a date (e.g. 3 July 1987, according to the Japanese Shōwa 62 calendar) or an internal inventory number belonging to a collector or auction house.