This absolutely lovely set of 20th century Tachikichi Arita ware style tea bowls are a particularly rare and collectible style.
The company was first founded in the center of Kyoto in 1752 (Edo period), under the name of Tachibana-ya Kichibee (橘屋吉兵衛), in the vicinity of the intersection of Shijō and Tominokoji streets. In 1894, its 8th generation owner changed the business name to Tachikichi.
Tachikichi has enjoyed enduring popularity within Japan as a household name for luxury homewares. While vintage Tachikichi pieces can range in price, their finer tea bowls often command prices of several hundred dollars or even over a thousand AUD. These particular bowls, with their fine gilt embellishment, Arita style handpainted decoration and auspicious characters for prosperity and longevity make them outstanding examples of contemporary Japanese ceramics. The finishing touch is that of a shi lion / foo dog hand-painted in cobalt glaze to each bowl's interior.
Price marked at AUD$350 for a set of 7. Measurements: 8.5 cm diameter, 5.5 cm height. Excellent vintage condition.
