Set of five Edo period sometsuke tea bowls One lid was broken during photography. It has been glued, so please understand that it is a fragile item. If you are concerned, I can sell you the set of four. The deep cobalt blue is likely "bero-ai" (believed to be the blue color that came from Berlin). Decorative depictions of morning glory-like open flowers, vines, and leaves are painted on them. Patterns are also drawn on the inner bottom and inner rim. The surface is smooth and glossy. Because they are small, they can be used at the end of a course to serve a small portion of rice, or to present simmered dishes or side dishes, creating the pleasure of opening the lid. They are also applicable for enjoying new tea or Chinese tea. Diameter of the tea bowl: Approximately 11cm Height (without lid): Approximately 6cm Height (with lid): Approximately 8cm Diameter of the lid: Approximately 9.5cm ❋ "Bero-ai" is a common name for Prussian blue, a synthetic pigment accidentally discovered in Berlin, Germany, in the early 18th century. It was imported to Japan during the Edo period, and the vivid and transparent blue color, which could not be produced by the previously used plant-derived "tsuyukusa" (dayflower) and "hon-ai" (true indigo), greatly advanced landscape paintings by ukiyo-e artists such as Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige. It is used in ceramics.