Vintage Japanese Porcelain Bowl Set, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-641

Japanese Mitsuzara Porcelain Dish Set | Vintage Serving Plates & Decorative Bowls, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-641

A matched trio of hand-painted Japanese porcelain dishes -- each in a distinct classic style -- presented in their original wooden gift box.

A mitsuzara is a traditional Japanese set of three coordinated dishes (mitsu meaning "three," zara meaning "dish") intended for use together at the table or as a gifted ensemble. This set comprises three scallop-rimmed porcelain pieces, each decorated in a different classical motif: one in sometsuke (underglaze blue-and-white) with dense peony and arabesque scrollwork; one in a warm ko-imari palette of iron-red and green with chrysanthemum and bird designs; and a third with a vivid amber-yellow exterior and a hand-painted interior medallion depicting golden fruit branches against a deep cobalt ground. Each piece is finished with a brown iron rim -- a hallmark of fine Japanese porcelain -- and the set retains its original kiri wood presentation box bearing the maker's seal. The box is inscribed with the name of the set and the mark of Heian橘志, pointing to a well-regarded Kyoto-area ceramics retailer or commissioner of the Late Showa period.

This vintage Japanese porcelain set is as beautiful on the dining table as it is displayed on a shelf. Use the three dishes to serve small appetizers, sauces, or sweets in the Japanese style of koibachi (small side dishes), creating an elegant Japandi-style tablescape that draws admiring glances from guests. Alternatively, arrange them as living room decor -- propped on a plate stand or layered in a cabinet -- where their contrasting color stories (cool indigo, warm iron-red, and bold amber) create a striking visual trio. The original wooden gift box makes this a truly exceptional housewarming gift or gift for collectors of Japanese antique ceramics who appreciate the rarity of finding a complete, boxed set in such fine condition.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: White porcelain with hand-painted overglaze and underglaze decoration; iron-brown rim glaze; kiri (paulownia) wood presentation box
• Use: Table service -- small side dishes, condiment plates, and dessert plates in the Japanese dining tradition
• Modern Use: Elegant appetizer or condiment dishes for entertaining; decorative plate display on a shelf or plate stand; gift set for collectors of Japanese antique ceramics
• Features: Set of three scallop-rimmed dishes in three distinct classical styles -- sometsuke blue-and-white peony arabesque, ko-imari iron-red and green chrysanthemum-and-bird, and amber-yellow exterior with cobalt fruit-branch interior medallion; iron-brown rim on each piece; maker's seal mark on base; complete original kiri wood presentation box with calligraphic inscription
• Dimensions: --
• Condition: Excellent

A rare complete set of vintage Japanese porcelain dishes in their original gift box -- an exquisite addition to any collection of Japanese antique ceramics or a memorable gift for the discerning Japanophile.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage and antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.