This exquisite piece exudes a radiant brilliance, remaining remarkably
unblemished with only minimal signs of wear in certain areas (mainly the creamer rim guilding - please see photogaphs below for more detail).
There are subtle 'fritt' inclusions present in a few sections,
particularly a couple of the saucers and the interiors of a couple of the cups.
Rest assured, there are absolutely no chips, cracks, crazing, or
fleabites to be found. However, it is worth noting that one cup does
possess a minute flake chip just beneath the rim, discernible to the
touch rather than the naked eye (please refer to the detailed
photographs below, captured with the aid of a macro lens).
Considering the fact that this set dates back to approximately 1921 or
later, its remarkable condition is truly awe-inspiring.
A Little On The Production Of This Service
There are odd pieces to be found offered for sale of this service, but you will note that they have various “manufacturers’ backstamps. They were all however ‘manufactured’ at the same factory as blanks, these were then bought by companies and decorated accordingly.
The period from 1921 until 1941 is a time easily set apart in Japanese porcelain production. It is clearly defined on both ends by two events: a change
in U.S. law in 1921 and the entry into World War II in 1941. During World War II most ceramics factories (for exports) ceased, except Noritake.
Until 1921 Noritake predominately marked export wares "Nippon," one word
used to describe the country of Japan. In 1921 American import law
changed to require the place of origin be marked on a product in
English. Since Nippon was an adaptation of a description of the island
country in the native language, Nippon was no longer acceptable under
the new law. Backstamps after 1921 state "Japan" or "Made in Japan."
Armed with this information, to ‘match’ a service may prove difficult as the painting production varies and the time production also - hence other companies backstamps appearing on pieces.
The ‘star’ and ‘circle' impressions on the bottom of the larger pieces is not a ‘manufacturers mark’. It was a design that was used by many continental as well as Japanese porcelain production companies to stabilise the large pieces during firing.
The majority of porcelain manufactured at this time in Japan is not perfect, inclusions and blemishes are extremely common.
