Pair of Royal Crown Derby Old Imari 2451 Cup & Saucer Sets, c.1920s–1930s

A beautiful pair of Royal Crown Derby Old Imari cup and saucer sets in the celebrated Traditional Imari pattern 2451, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920s–1930s. Each set is richly decorated in cobalt blue, Derby red, white and lavish gilt detail, creating the luxurious effect for which Royal Crown Derby Imari is so highly collected.

Pattern 2451 is one of Royal Crown Derby’s most recognisable Imari designs, admired for its formal symmetry, rich colour palette and elegant gilding. The decoration features stylised floral panels, geometric reserves and scrolling gilt ornament, combining English porcelain refinement with the enduring European fascination for Japanese Imari design.

Details:

Maker: Royal Crown Derby

Origin: England

Date: c.1920s–1930s

Pattern: Old Imari / Traditional Imari 2451

Material: Porcelain / fine bone china

Set: Two cups and two saucers

Decoration: Cobalt blue, Derby red, white and gilt Imari-style design

Marks: Royal Crown Derby printed factory marks, Made in England, pattern number 2451

Condition:

Very good antique condition, with no chips, cracks or repairs noted. Light age-related wear may be present, consistent with careful use. The colours remain strong and the gilding is attractive. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Historical & Collector Context:

Royal Crown Derby is one of England’s most prestigious porcelain manufacturers, long admired for fine bone china, richly gilded tableware and its distinctive Imari designs. Pattern 2451, often known as Traditional Imari or Old Imari, was introduced in the late 19th century and became one of the company’s enduring classic patterns.

The design reflects the European taste for Japanese Imari porcelain, combining cobalt blue, iron red and gold in a luxurious English interpretation. Royal Crown Derby became especially associated with this style, and early 20th-century examples remain desirable among collectors of English porcelain and Imari-pattern tableware.

This pair of cup and saucer sets offers strong decorative appeal and practical display value, whether used as part of a refined tea setting, displayed in a porcelain cabinet, or collected alongside other Royal Crown Derby Imari pieces.

A richly decorated pair of Royal Crown Derby Old Imari 2451 cup and saucer sets, with classic colour, elegant gilding and strong collector appeal.