Pair of 1940’s hand-painted Japanese Leicester wear tea cups and saucers. No chips or scratches, beautiful coloring! Japanese lusterware, also known as "Opaline" or "Rainbow Ware," gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly for export to Western markets. This type of ceramic is characterized by its iridescent, shimmering glaze, achieved through the application of metallic oxides fired at specific temperatures. The decorative motifs often featured traditional Japanese scenes, flora, and fauna, appealing to international tastes. These particular sets, with their hand-painted birds and floral designs on a lustrous background, are representative of the aesthetic trends in Japanese ceramics during the mid-20th century. The unique kidney-shaped plate integrated with the saucer was a practical design for tea service, allowing for a compact and elegant presentation. Such items were commonly produced in Japan for both domestic use and as decorative or functional pieces for export.