** We entertain any serious offers on this item **
 
TOP PIECE!

Made in the Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th century this exquisite hand carved tea set flawlessy inlaid with Mother of Pearl is simply divine. It is not made to be used but displaced. The dated marks have been authenticated but the type of bone has not. It is believed to be either Yak bone or Marine bone, perhaps from a beached whale back in the 1800s. The piece is without a doubt one of the nicest I've seen and have never come across one of it's kind before. The inlaid Mother of pearl is completly intact and tells a story of four or five people sitting on a mat interacting which each other. There are depictions of elephants, Dragons Koi fish and floral scenes.

Measurements: Tray: 9.00 inches wide 5.50 inches deep, cups 1.50 inches high by 1.50 diameter, teapot 4.50 inches wide by 3.00 inches high.
 
Although the Japanese word for the tea ceremony, chanoyu, literally means “hot water for tea,” the practice involves much more than its name implies. Chanoyu is a ritualized, secular practice in which tea is consumed in a specialized space with codified procedures. The Japanese love their tea and treat the drinking of it as if it was a ritual. Something I have also adopted in my life. There is always time for a good relaxing cup of tea. This exquisite set really does show how they regard the art of tea making.