Antique Japanese set Imari Porcelain Tea Bowls & Saucers c 1730 Edo 18th century

A relatively rare and very attractive set of four antique Japanese Arita porcelain tea bowls and saucers hand painted in an Imari pattern and dating from the 18th century around 1730 during the Edo period (1603 - 1867). The tea bowls each have a round tapering body with slightly flared rims. 

These lovely pieces have all been hand painted with an under-glaze blue structural pattern with iron red enamel and gilding. The decoration takes the form of a wavy blue line that creates cartouches each which contains small sprays of flowers and grasses. 

One of the saucers has an unusual and large under-glaze blue mark on the side with the Japanese symbol which we think is 七, nana or the number 7. Sadly this saucer has been broken and glued and there is some paper stuck to the rim, it could be restored in a better manner if so desired. All pieces have some tiny rim chips, as is common with this porcelain finished with a very thin edge.No other chips cracks nor restoration. There is some fritting to the body of the porcelain. All very suitable for display or use.

The tea bowls each stand approximately 1 5/8 inches (4 cm) high and have a rim diameter 2 7/8 inches (7.2 cm). The saucers have a diameter of 4 5/8 inches (11.7 cm) and a height 1 inch ( 2.5 cm).  They weigh a total of a 489 grammes unpacked.

Free UK postage when purchased at the listed price, international shipping at cost.