Vintage Japanese Maruni Porcelain Tea Set, 21 Pieces

A beautifully coordinated vintage Japanese porcelain tea service for six, marked Maruni 丸二 and likely dating to the Taisho to early Showa period, circa 1920s–1930s.

The complete 21-piece set is decorated by hand with serene figural landscape scenes inspired by traditional Japanese painting. Figures in elegant period dress appear among red-leafed trees, bridges, water and softly layered scenery. Fine gilt rims, blue geometric border details and subtle raised enamel accents bring warmth and texture to the pale porcelain ground.

The service includes a lidded teapot, a lidded sugar bowl, a creamer, six teacups, six saucers and six tea plates. Displayed together, the graduated forms create an elegant table setting, while each individual piece retains its own decorative charm.

The undersides bear the red 丸二 Maruni mark.

Details

Item: Vintage Japanese porcelain tea service for six

Origin: Japan

Date / Period: Taisho to early Showa period, likely c.1920s–1930s

Maker / Mark: Maruni & Co., Kobe, marked 丸二

Material: Fine porcelain with hand-painted overglaze enamel, subtle raised enamel details and gilt accents

Decoration: Figures in traditional Japanese dress, red-leafed trees, bridges, water and landscape motifs

Includes:

1 teapot with lid

1 sugar bowl with lid

1 creamer

6 teacups

6 saucers

6 tea plates

Total: 21 pieces

Condition

Very good vintage condition with no chips, cracks or repairs. Light age-related wear is present to the gilt accents, consistent with age. Please review the photographs carefully for the full condition.

Historical and Collector Context

Maruni & Co. was associated with Kobe and with the Japanese export-ceramics trade of the early 20th century. Surviving labels describe the company as a manufacturer and dealer in porcelain and Satsuma ware. Maruni-marked ceramics are particularly associated with the Taisho and early Showa periods, when Japanese decorative wares were exported internationally for collectors and stylish homes.

During this period, Japanese workshops adapted traditional visual themes for overseas markets, combining familiar domestic forms with landscapes, figures in period dress, bridges, trees and finely applied gilt details. Complete tea services allowed these scenes to unfold across an entire table setting.

This matching 21-piece Maruni set is especially appealing because it remains complete and well preserved. Its hand-painted landscapes, delicate porcelain forms and warm gilt accents give it both collector interest and practical decorative charm. It would make a distinctive addition to a Japanese porcelain collection or an elegant vintage service for a special occasion.

Please Note

All items are vintage or antique and may show light signs of age. Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description. Feel free to message with any questions prior to purchase.