Description
An elegant and finely detailed Japanese Satsuma tea set comprising a teacup, matching saucer, and dessert plate, all decorated in a richly patterned millefiori-style ground accented with hand-applied gilt and delicately painted butterflies.
Each piece features an intricate lattice of jewel-toned enamel work-rust, cobalt, celadon, and black-outlined in gold, creating a shimmering, textile-like surface. At the center of each piece, a softly rendered butterfly motif appears to float above the crackled ivory glaze, lending a lightness and refinement to the overall composition.
The forms are graceful and well balanced, with a gently flared cup, finely gilded rims, and a comfortable handle. The reverse of each piece bears a gilt Satsuma-style mark, consistent with early to mid-20th-century Japanese export wares.
This is a striking set whether displayed together in a cabinet, layered on open shelving, or styled on a table as an accent grouping. Sophisticated yet warm, it pairs beautifully with both traditional and modern interiors.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Excellent vintage condition. Light, age-appropriate wear to gilt and glaze consistent with careful use. No cracks or repairs observed. Please review all photographs for details, as they form part of the description.
Origin:
Japan
Materials & Techniques:
Gold-Plate, Porcelain
Details:
Country of Origin: Japan
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Each piece features an intricate lattice of jewel-toned enamel work-rust, cobalt, celadon, and black-outlined in gold, creating a shimmering, textile-like surface. At the center of each piece, a softly rendered butterfly motif appears to float above the crackled ivory glaze, lending a lightness and refinement to the overall composition.
The forms are graceful and well balanced, with a gently flared cup, finely gilded rims, and a comfortable handle. The reverse of each piece bears a gilt Satsuma-style mark, consistent with early to mid-20th-century Japanese export wares.
This is a striking set whether displayed together in a cabinet, layered on open shelving, or styled on a table as an accent grouping. Sophisticated yet warm, it pairs beautifully with both traditional and modern interiors.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Excellent vintage condition. Light, age-appropriate wear to gilt and glaze consistent with careful use. No cracks or repairs observed. Please review all photographs for details, as they form part of the description.
Origin:
Japan
Materials & Techniques:
Gold-Plate, Porcelain
Details:
Country of Origin: Japan
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Excellent vintage condition. Light, age-appropriate wear to gilt and glaze consistent with careful use. No cracks or repairs observed. Please review all photographs for details, as they form part of the description.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Dimensions
3.5 x 6.75 x 6.75 in
Antique Japanese Satsuma Butterfly Tea Cup, Saucer & Plate - Set of 3
Estimate $130-$490
Starting Bid
$65
LiveAuctioneers Purchase Protection
Vetted auction houses
Secure, online bidding
Returns guaranteed for misrepresented listings
Dedicated support when you need it
November Fine Art & Decorative Collectibles
Nov 4, 2026, 7:00 PM ESTNew York, NY, United States
Raleigh, NC
Chairish Auction House
4.3(28)
Chula Vista, CA
Chairish Auction House
4.3(28)
Chula Vista, CA
Chairish Auction House
4.3(28)
Chula Vista, CA
Chairish Auction House
4.3(28)
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Chairish Auction House
4.3(28)
Brooklyn, NY
Chairish Auction House
4.3(28)
Brooklyn, NY
Chairish Auction House
4.3(28)
Cathedral City, CA
Chairish Auction House
4.3(28)
Late 20th Century Hollywood Regency Neoclassical Pedestal Accent Table With Gilt Marquetry & Glass T
Greensboro, NC
Chairish Auction House
4.3(28)
Williams Bay, WI
Chairish Auction House
4.3(28)
Germantown, MD
Chairish Auction House
4.3(28)
FEATURED
Lorton, VA
Chairish Auction House
4.3(28)
Germantown, MD
Chairish Auction House
4.3(28)
West palm beach, FL
Chairish Auction House
4.3(28)
Stillwater, PA
Chairish Auction House
4.3(28)
Brooklyn, NY
Chairish Auction House
4.3(28)
Franklin, NC
Chairish Auction House
4.3(28)
Saraland, AL
Chairish Auction House
4.3(28)
Franklin, NC
Chairish Auction House
4.3(28)
Related Articles


By Andrea ValluzzoAugust 16, 2026


By Matt BallAugust 10, 2026


By LiveAuctioneersSeptember 14, 2026


By LiveAuctioneersSeptember 14, 2026


By LiveAuctioneersSeptember 14, 2026


By Sheila Gibson StoodleySeptember 16, 2026


By Sheila Gibson StoodleySeptember 16, 2026


By Sheila Gibson StoodleySeptember 15, 2026
TOP
































