Imari cup and saucer. Japan, first third of the twentieth century.

Imari cup and saucer, Japan first third of the twentieth century.
Hand painted porcelain.
Signature on the back.
It shows signs of use and wear.
Measurements: 7 x 14 x 14 cm (cup); 17,5 cm (diameter plate).

Imari style cup and saucer, a Japanese style characterized by the combination of enamels and gilding. White cranes with spread wings decorate both pieces, on golden backgrounds. Imari pieces were produced in Japan from the third quarter of the 17th century until 1730-35, although there was a revival of the style during the 19th and early 20th centuries. At the decorative level, the Imari is very free, with compositions that occupy the entire space of the piece, generally asymmetrical, combining different motifs and cartouches of various shapes, as we see here.