Japanese Kutani Porcelain Sake Set – Japan, circa 1950-1970

Japanese Kutani porcelain sake set, comprising a sake carafe (tokkuri) and four cups (ochoko).

The set features a refined decoration painted in iron red and gold, combining flowers, foliage, and birds on a white porcelain background with a crackled glaze. The gilded highlights emphasize the floral motifs, foliage, and geometric borders that adorn the lower part of the carafe and the cups.

The carafe has an elegant tapered shape, slightly constricted in the center and widely flared at the neck. The four cups have a rounded shape resting on a small foot.

The pieces bear a red-painted Japanese mark on the underside, associated with Kutani production (九谷). The red and gold decoration, crackled glaze, and floral and animal motifs are in keeping with the decorative tradition of Kutani porcelain.

Good overall condition given its age, with wear to the gilded highlights and some decorative elements due to age and use.

A set that is both decorative and functional, particularly interesting for a Japanese porcelain collection or for display in a contemporary interior.