Minton Kakiemon Tiger Tea Set With 6 Cups, 10 Saucers And Cream Jug, 1847–1861

A beautifully preserved Minton tea set decorated in the Japanese Kakiemon style with a stylised tiger among bamboo, peony blossoms and a cascading waterfall. Vivid ochre red, cobalt and royal blues, bright greens and black accents are enhanced with gilt.                                               Saucers carry the full scene; cups repeat the motif outside and have a delicate floral spray painted inside with gilded rims. The matching cream jug has a moulded scroll handle and foot, decorated all around in the same pattern with gilt accents.                                                                Minton was one of the pioneering companies in English porcelain production, established in Staffordshire in the late 18th century, and quickly gained fame for its wonderfully fine white bone china and brilliant enamels.                                                                                                                Saucers dated by impressed marks: horseshoe for 1853 (five pieces) and three radiating lines for 1861 (five pieces). The cups span a slightly earlier range, including one as early as 1847, showing the continuity of the pattern across several years of production. Cream jug unmarked, as is common for this period. Measurements: Saucers, 10 pcs: diameter 14.8 cm, height 2.8 cm, weight c. 180 g each Teacups, 6 pcs: height 5.5 cm, diameter 9.5 cm, width with handle 12 cm, weight c. 118 g each, capacity c. 180 ml Cream jug: height 12.5 cm, width 15 cm, depth 11.5 cm, weight 263 g, capacity c. 300 ml Condition: Saucers: one 1861 saucer with a fine hairline to the centre of the well, and one 1853 saucer with a star hairline to the centre of the well; otherwise the saucers are in brilliant condition, with colours and enamels perfectly preserved and only minimal, barely visible rubbing to the gilding in a few places. Cups: one with a fine hairline to the side; one with a crack at the lower handle terminal; one with a small firing hairline at the handle join; the remainder excellent with bright enamels and only light rim gilding wear. Cream jug: excellent antique condition, no chips or repairs, bright enamels and gilding very well preserved. Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.