Two teacups and saucers on footring, spreading sides. Imari, decorated in underglaze blue, iron-red and gold with four large lambrequin-shaped panels containing a quail near a millet plant (twice), and a blossoming cherry spray with a small chrysanthemum. In the centre of the saucer, where the panels join, a complex composition of four flower sprays-the hosoge (beautiful flower) motif. Inside on the base of the cup a chrysanthemum. Most Japanese tea and coffee ware was made in Imari: blue-and-white Kakiemon ware is much more rare. The bird is probably a quail, and this representation is a simplified version of the well-known 'quail and millet' motif frequently imitated on European porcelain and earthenware (Ayers, Impey & Mallet; Arita). There are three identical cups and saucers in the Van Diepen Collection.