Antique Japanese Export Solid Silver & Enamel Tea Set

Meiji-period craftsmanship. Sculptural enamel artistry. Substantial silver weight.

We are honored to present this exceptional antique Japanese export solid silver and enamel tea set, crafted during the Meiji period (circa 1890–1910) for the Western luxury market. Produced in the historic port city of Yokohama, these refined silver wares were created by highly skilled Japanese artisans who blended traditional decorative motifs with European tea service forms.

The set includes a teapot, covered sugar bowl, and matching sugar tongs, each beautifully decorated with raised silver panels featuring finely detailed hand-enameled iris blossoms. The enamel displays delicate tones of violet, blue, and green against a luminous polished silver ground, demonstrating the remarkable craftsmanship that made Japanese export silver highly sought after by Western collectors during the late nineteenth century.

Both lids are crowned with sculptural butterfly finials surrounded by enamel floral decoration, an elegant artistic detail that enhances the decorative character of the set. Butterfly and iris motifs were popular elements in Meiji-period Japanese decorative arts, celebrating the beauty of nature and seasonal symbolism.

The underside of the pieces bears a distinctive turtle within a triangular hallmark, a mark documented on Japanese export silver associated with Yokohama workshops and commonly attributed to the silversmith Sanju Saku. Additional Japanese silver marks and an engraved artisan signature further reflect the collaborative craftsmanship typical of Meiji-period decorative metalwork, where silversmiths, engravers, and enamel artists often worked together to produce objects of exceptional beauty.

During the Meiji era, Japan experienced a flourishing period of artistic innovation as craftsmen created luxury goods specifically for export to Europe and America. These objects combined the elegance of Western tableware with the refined artistry of Japanese decorative traditions, making them prized both historically and today among collectors of Japanese decorative arts and antique silver.

With its vibrant enamel decoration, sculptural butterfly finials, elegant form, and substantial silver weight, this set represents a striking example of Japanese export silver from the height of the Meiji decorative arts period.

Included Pieces with Measurements & Weight

Teapot with hand-enameled butterfly and floral finial lid
6 3/4" long (spout to handle)
4 1/4" high (including lid)
283 grams

Sugar bowl with hand-enameled butterfly and floral finial lid
5 1/4" long (handle to handle)
3 1/4" high (with lid)
200 grams

Matching sugar tongs with enamel decoration
5" long
25 grams

Total combined weight: 508 grams

Hallmarks

• Triangle hallmark featuring turtle motif
• Japanese jun-gin (純銀) mark indicating pure silver
• Additional small workshop punch marks
• Hand-engraved artisan signature

The turtle-within-triangle hallmark is documented on Japanese export silver associated with workshops active in Yokohama during the Meiji period (late 19th to early 20th century) and is commonly attributed to the silversmith Sanju Saku.

The presence of multiple punch marks and engraved characters reflects the collaborative craftsmanship typical of Meiji-period export silver, where separate artisans often produced the metalwork, engraving, and enamel decoration.

Investment Perspective: With a combined weight of approximately 508 grams of solid silver, the intrinsic silver value alone represents a meaningful portion of the offering price, providing collectors with both artistic beauty and tangible precious-metal value.

Fine examples of Meiji-period Japanese export silver with hand-applied enamel decoration are increasingly sought after as collectors recognize the unique blend of Japanese craftsmanship and Western design created during this important artistic period. Complete sets featuring multiple pieces and original decorative elements such as the sculptural butterfly finials present here are particularly desirable.

Condition Report: Excellent antique condition with light surface scratches consistent with age and gentle use.

The teapot shows a few small shallow dings to the body, including a small crease dent visible in the final photograph. These minor imperfections are typical of antique hollowware and do not affect the structure, function, or overall beauty of the piece.

The enamel decoration remains vibrant and well preserved.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description. We never use stock photography; the item shown is the exact set you will receive.

Shipping: Your purchase will be professionally packed with extreme care using premium protective materials and shipped fully insured within one business day with tracking provided.

Local Pickup: Local in-store pickup is welcome in Lewisville, Texas Wednesday–Saturday | 12 PM–6 PM. Appointments are available outside these hours upon request.

About Lisa’s Resale Gone Upscale: Since 2002, Lisa’s Resale Gone Upscale has been a trusted destination for fine consignment in Lewisville, Texas. We specialize in curated antiques, estate-sourced treasures, fine porcelain, sterling silver, decorative arts, and distinctive collectibles — each piece selected for quality, authenticity, and timeless appeal.

Luxury. Vintage. One-of-a-Kind Treasures.

Keywords: Antique Japanese export silver & enamel tea set attributed to Sanju Saku, Meiji period Yokohama workshop with butterfly finials, iris enamel decoration, 508g.