Vintage Japanese Cobalt Blue Kyusu Tea Set

This is a vintage Japanese kyusu (side-handled tea pot) and matching yunomi (tea cup) set, consisting of one teapot with a lid and eight tea cups. The set is crafted from porcelain with a deep, glossy cobalt blue overglaze. Each piece features intricate polychrome floral enamel decorations, including pink and white cherry blossoms (sakura) and perhaps chrysanthemums, accented with gilded outlines and details. One of the cups prominently displays a traditional Japanese crane (tsuru) motif, symbolizing longevity. The teapot is designed with a traditional lateral handle positioned at a 90-degree angle from the spout, typical of Japanese tea ceremony vessels. The interiors are finished in a clean white glaze, providing a sharp contrast to the exterior depth of the cobalt. In terms of condition, the set appears to be well-preserved with no visible chips or heavy cracks from this angle, though there is minor rubbing discernible on the gold-rimmed edges of some cups, consistent with mid-20th-century vintage use. The style suggests a Showa era production, likely intended for export or as high-quality domestic giftware. The craftsmanship shows careful application of decals or hand-transfer prints with manual enamel touch-ups, indicating a mass-produced but high-quality artisanal standard.