Vintage Chikaramachi Floral Teapot, Milk Jug & Sugar Bowl Set | c. 1930

The teapot is ready. The milk jug is ready. The sugar bowl has brought a lid and two handles, which feels slightly excessive for something whose main responsibility is sitting still. We admire a team that takes its duties seriously.

This matching Japanese Chikaramachi trio dates to circa 1930 and includes a teapot with lid, a milk jug and a lidded sugar bowl. Floral bouquets decorate the creamy bodies, with pink, purple and yellow blooms among green foliage. Curved handles and shaped feet finish the look. There is quite a lot going on for a group of objects that have never had to answer an email.

The photographed backstamp reads Chikaramachi, Hand Painted. The circa-1930 dating places the service in the interwar years, giving your kitchen a little connection to another period without asking you to abandon modern conveniences. We are fond of old tea things. We are considerably less sentimental about waiting for a kettle.

Display the three together on a kitchen dresser or bring them out for a thoughtfully set table. They make a lovely little gathering all by themselves; no need to invite the entire extended family just to justify using matching crockery.

• Maker's mark: Chikaramachi, Hand Painted
• Origin: Japan
• Date: circa 1930
• Includes: teapot with lid, milk jug and sugar bowl with lid
• Teapot: 23 x 15 x 17 cm; 630 g
• Milk jug: 12 x 8.5 x 8.5 cm; 150 g
• Sugar bowl: 16 x 10.5 x 12 cm; 270 g
• Combined weight: 1,050 g
• Sold together as one matching set

This listing includes the teapot, milk jug and sugar bowl only. Matching cups, saucers and plates are sold separately. A pre-owned vintage set; please inspect the photographs, including the interiors and backstamp, for condition.

WARNING: This trio may turn putting the kettle on into a small organisational production. Maison de L'oro accepts no responsibility if your sugar develops a superiority complex or you begin asking visitors whether they would prefer “the proper tea things.”