Lusterware, a bamboo handle, hand-painted florals — and a mark that tells you exactly when it was made.
This square ceramic tea caddy is marked "Gold Castle" — the brand of Tashiro Shoten, a Japanese importer that operated from before World War II until 1954, making pieces marked this way reliably datable to that narrow window. The additional mark "Chikusa" indicates a specific pattern or design line within the Gold Castle range. The body is covered in a warm lusterware glaze with hand-painted floral and chinoiserie motifs; the bamboo handle on the lid is a charming period detail. There are three chips — one on the top border, two on the inside lip — all photographed for your review. The hand-painted decoration remains in very good condition.
A project piece for the lusterware or chinoiserie collector, or a display caddy priced to reflect its condition.
Condition: Vintage, used — good. Three chips: one on top border, two on inside lip (all photographed). Hand-painted areas in very good condition. Priced to reflect. All sales final; please review all images carefully before purchasing.
