Vintage Kaga Kutani Thousand Faces Tea Set with Yuzamashi

A richly decorated vintage Japanese Kaga Kutani tea set, likely dating to the early Showa period, circa 1930s–1940s.

The set comprises five petite tea cups and a matching yuzamashi water-cooling bowl with a gently shaped pouring lip. Each piece is decorated with a lively gathering of traditionally dressed figures, popularly known among collectors as the Thousand Faces design.

Warm iron-red, deep brown and soft enamel tones are enriched with generous gilt accents, creating a beautifully layered surface with strong visual presence. The softly crackled glaze adds further character, while the matching decoration allows the six pieces to display elegantly as a coordinated group.

The bases bear a red square 加賀九谷 mark, read as Kaga Kutani.

Details

Item: Vintage Japanese tea cup set with yuzamashi

Origin: Kaga region, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan

Date / Period: Early Showa period, likely c.1930s–1940s

Maker: Unidentified Kutani workshop

Material: Porcelain with overglaze enamel, gilt decoration and softly crackled glaze

Style: Kaga Kutani

Decoration: Thousand Faces figural design with iron-red enamel, warm brown tones and gilt accents

Mark: Red square 加賀九谷 Kaga Kutani mark to base

Includes:

5 tea cups: Approx. 5 cm diameter each

1 yuzamashi water-cooling bowl: Approx. 7.5 cm diameter

Condition

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

Historical and Collector Context

Kutani-yaki has a distinguished history extending back more than 360 years in the Kaga region of present-day Ishikawa Prefecture. Over successive generations, Kutani workshops developed a wide range of richly coloured overglaze techniques, often enhanced with fine linework and gold decoration.

The name Kaga Kutani reflects this regional heritage. Kaga was the historic name associated with the area, and marks referring to Kaga Kutani appear on decorative wares connected with the wider Kutani tradition.

The dense figural composition on this set is popularly known as the Thousand Faces design. Its closely arranged figures, warm red palette and gilt detailing reflect the enduring appeal of richly decorated Japanese teaware intended for both use and display.

With its matching cups, elegant yuzamashi and clearly visible Kaga Kutani mark, this set would make an appealing addition to a collection of Japanese porcelain, vintage tea ware or Asian decorative arts.

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.