Japanese Sumida Gawa Cup And Saucer With Applied Sage Figures, Attributed To Ishiguro Kōko

An unusual Sumida ware (隅田焼 / Sumida-gawa) cup and saucer set, Japan, late Meiji to early Taishō period, c. 1900–1920, bearing a partially obscured oval seal mark to the underside of the saucer that reads consistently with Kōko (光湖), attributed to the workshop of Ishiguro Kōko. The form is striking and uncommon within the Sumida repertoire: the cup is raised on a short cylindrical pedestal foot that sits within a recessed well at the centre of the saucer, producing a tall, almost chalice-like silhouette when the two elements are combined, rather than the flat-footed teacup more usually seen in the kiln's output.

The body of both pieces is worked in a strong coral-red slip that has been scraped and textured to reveal the iron-brown earthenware beneath, giving the surface a weathered, almost lacquered quality. Over this, a glossy black treacle glaze has been poured from above, flowing down in irregular drips and pools that meet the red slip in ragged, scalloped edges — the characteristic Sumida flambé effect. The interior of the cup is glazed in a deep mossy green that reads almost black, with the saucer rim finished in a warm amber-brown band where the treacle thins.

Applied around the body of the cup and along the rim of the saucer are multiple figures of bearded elderly sages or rakan (羅漢), modelled in relief and glazed variously in porcelaneous white with underglaze cobalt blue robes, olive-green mantles, and buff unglazed biscuit for the heads and hands. The figures hold scrolls, staffs and books, suggesting a gathering of scholars or immortals — likely a reference to the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove (竹林の七賢) or a group of rakan. One sage on the cup is modelled in a particularly fine green robe with underglaze blue inner garment.

Overall good antique condition. Several of the applied figures, particularly those around the rim of the saucer, have sustained period losses: heads and upper bodies are missing or broken on at least two of the saucer-rim sages, with the damage now smoothed by age and consistent with long-ago breakage rather than recent handling. The cup's figures are more complete but show minor losses and abrasions at high points. The red slip is worn in areas of handling, and there is light glaze crazing throughout. The cup and saucer are structurally sound, with no cracks, and the pieces sit together correctly.

Height of cup 6 cm, diameter of saucer is 11.5 cm. Weight 224 g.