This is a tea set (1 teapot, 5 teacups) of "Ruri Kinsai" (lapis lazuli and gold), a particularly noble beauty among the traditional crafts of Arita ware in Saga Prefecture. This item is a masterpiece from the good old days when Japanese crafts were made most luxuriously, from 1970 to 1985. In Arita ware at the time, "Ruri Kinsai" was a high-end line made by skilled craftsmen who spared no effort, for special gifts and to brighten up special occasions. Nowadays, it is difficult to find new items with such a deep, beautiful lapis lazuli color and delicate gold decoration, and unused items that remain in their original wooden boxes are considered to be of very high rarity value. The unfading brilliance that has lasted for about 40 to 50 years is truly the beauty of Japanese tradition itself. Peonies, known as the "king of flowers," are depicted in vivid gold. Peonies are an auspicious design that symbolizes wealth and happiness, and the contrast with the deep navy blue (lapis lazuli color) transforms tea time into a moment of bliss. It has been carefully stored in a clean environment in its original wooden box, unused. ・ Surface condition The lapis lazuli glaze is as beautiful as a mirror, and maintains a mirror-like luster. There are some areas where fine white scratches, which are thought to have been caused by the vessels touching each other during storage, can be seen by the reflection of light. ・ Black spots and protrusions inside the teacups There are small black spots with protrusions inside the teacups. These are called "iron particles," and are natural iron components contained in the clay that have surfaced during firing. There are areas inside the teapot where the same lapis lazuli glaze as the outside is slightly attached. This is a trace unique to handwork, made when the craftsmen applied the color one by one with a brush. Unlike modern mass-produced products that remove impurities, this is also proof of the traditional manufacturing method of the time, which used natural materials. ・ Accessories Dedicated wooden box (with the "Arita ware" mark), teapot handle (unused, to be inserted and bent) This is a masterpiece of Japan that has been carefully passed down. As well as for your collection, why not enjoy the texture of authentic Arita ware during tea time with someone special? Please consider it. #AritaWare #TeaSet #RuriKinsai #TraditionalCrafts #ShowaRetro #Vintage #Deadstock #Peony #Teapot #Teacups #RareItem