Japanese teapot, sugar bowl and milk jug in Arita porcelain, late 19th century

This lovely blue and white tea set was made in Japan in the late 19th/early 20th century. It includes a teapot with a charmingly rounded shape and a stylized bamboo handle (as are the other two pieces), a milk jug/creamer, and a two-handled sugar bowl with a lid (I realized after taking the photos that the teapot and sugar bowl lids had been switched!). The teapot lid has a vent hole. Only the teapot bears a painted mark on the base identifying it as Arita porcelain. The stylized chrysanthemum was a common mark during the Meiji (1868-1912) and Taisho (1912-1926) periods. The pieces were made for export and are decorated in the Imari style, with plum or cherry blossom motifs. The tea set is in good vintage condition, with no cracks, chips, or crazing. The tea set is very clean. With its lid, the teapot is approximately 18 cm tall and its diameter at the base is slightly less than 7 cm. From the spout to the back of the handle, it measures just under 18 cm. With its lid, the sugar bowl is approximately 13 cm tall and its diameter at the base is 6 cm. From one outer edge of the handle to the other, it measures approximately 15 cm. The milk jug/creamer measures 11 cm from the rim to the base, its diameter at the base is approximately 5.5 cm, and it measures approximately 10.5 cm from the rim to the back of the handle. The set weighs approximately 840 g without packaging. A lovely antique tea set that can still be used in your home today or given as a gift.