An impressive large Japanese Satsuma earthenware tea and dessert service dating from the late Meiji to early Taishō period, c.1890–1920. Produced for the Western export market, the service is richly decorated with Buddhist Rakan (Arhats) and figures traditionally interpreted as Kannon, arranged within elaborate gilt cartouches.

The celebrated “Thousand Faces” decoration features a remarkable variety of expressive figures, with extensive moriage raised enamel work forming richly textured borders of beading, scrolling and floral ornament. Fine hand-applied gilding contrasts beautifully against the characteristic finely crackled ivory Satsuma glaze.

The Shimazu Clan crest appears throughout the decoration, while the principal pieces carry the traditional red square 薩摩 (Satsuma) regional mark to their bases. The mark indicates Satsuma export ware rather than an individually signed artist's piece.

The substantial service comprises a large teapot with lid, smaller teapot/hot-water pot with lid, lidded sugar bowl, serving bowl, two large serving plates, twelve dessert plates, twelve saucers and eleven matching teacups. An impressive and highly decorative surviving service, particularly suited to collectors of Japanese Meiji export ceramics.

Material:Hand-painted earthenware with crackle glaze, overglaze enamels, raised moriage decoration and hand-applied gilding**Origin:**Japan, produced for the Western export market

Maker: Unidentified Satsuma export workshop**Mark:**Red square 薩摩 (Satsuma) regional mark

Associated Crest: Shimazu Clan mon

Period: Late Meiji to Early Taishō, c.1890–1920

Style: Japanese Satsuma Ware / Moriage / Meiji Export Ceramics / “Thousand Faces” / Rakan / Japonisme

Dimensions: 41-piece service;

large teapot: 21 cm H × 14 cm W;

small teapot: 15 cm H × 11 cm W;

sugar bowl: 16 cm H × 12 cm W;

serving bowl: 8 cm H × 16 cm W;

teacups: 5 cm H × 10 cm W;

saucers: 14 cm diameter;

dessert plates: 18.5 cm diameter; l

large plates: 21.5 cm diameter

Condition Report:Very good antique condition overall with no observed cracks, chips, hairlines or repairs. Moriage decoration remains remarkably crisp and well preserved. Gilding shows age-related wear and loss, particularly to handles and some rims, consistent with careful use over more than a century. Painted decoration remains vibrant and well defined, with attractive natural maturation to the crackle glaze.