Arita-ware Box Set Of 5 Japanese Porcelain Tea Cups, Japan, 1980s

Elegant box set of five fine Arita porcelain tea cups, hand-painted and produced by the renowned Iwao Taizan Kiln (Ōtaruyama), one of the oldest studios in the Arita region — the birthplace of Japanese white porcelain, with a history spanning over 400 years.

Arita Otaruyama Iwao Taizan Kiln — Ikkyaku Shop

Height: 10.2 cm
Diameter: 7.2 cm
Condition: New, never used, in the original box

The Iwao Tozan Kiln descends from the historic Ōtaru Kiln, one of the earliest in Arita.
Founded during the Edo period by Hachirōbei Iwao, who was granted an official license (meidai fuda) to operate a porcelain kiln in Nishi-Arita, the workshop has continued through generations to uphold the Arita tradition of refined, translucent white porcelain.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, as industrial production expanded, Arita artisans preserved their centuries-old methods while embracing innovation — producing smaller, hand-painted wares that reflect exquisite craftsmanship and subtle aesthetic balance.

Arita and Imari ware are often referred to as Japan’s “White Gold”, emblematic of the country’s artistic spirit and timeless sense of beauty.