*RARE* Hand-Painted "Shofu" Occupied Japan Coffee Set *COMPLETE*

An utterly magnificent complete coffee set by Shofu China, made for export during the period when Japan was occupied by the Allies (1945-1952). Each item is hand painted with detailed gold decoration against a pale cream top half (the lower half of each piece is pure white). The gilding is exquisite and thick everywhere. Unfortunately my photos cannot do the decoration justice as the colour comes out brownish - please see the close-up detail which gives some indication of how stunning it is in real life.

What makes this set extraordinary is that it is both complete and in great condition: there are fifteen pieces - 6 duos, a milk jug, a lidded sugar bowl and a lidded coffee pot (all featuring the same back stamp). There are no chips, cracks or grazing on any piece. There is some gilding loss due to usage, especially on the handles of the coffee pot, jug and bowl. But overall the set is in really good condition considering that it is at least 65 years old! The porcelain is quite thick and has some impurities in it - it was likely manufactured in a factory using coal. 

Dimensions: Teapot - 21cm from the spout to the end of the handle and 19cm high to the finial; the sugar bowl - 10.3cm high to the finial and 15.5cm from handle to handle; milk jug - 8cm high to top of spout and 11cm from the spout to the end of the handle; cups - top diameter of 6.3cm (excluding the handle) and 5.2cm high; saucers - diameter of 11.9cm and 2cm high. 

Postage is R90 through SAPO or R180 with PostNet. Due to its size, no combinations with this set. Please add 3% to the sale price if you wish your parcel to be insured against loss by SAPO. Alternatively you can send me your courier or collect from me in Melville, Johannesburg, by prior arrangement (parcels not collected within 7 days will attract a storage fee).

Payment within 3 days, please, or else a SNC will be filed to allow me to relist the item. Please do study the photos below carefully, familiarize yourself with the set’s condition and be sure that this is what you want and that you can afford to pay for it.