Vintage Japanese Copper Tea Saucer Set of 5 — Martian Sazanka Series (1980)

A complete original-box set of 5 pure-copper Japanese tea saucers (chataku 茶托) from the Sazanka Series by Japanese metalware brand Martian, dated 昭和55年 (1980). The set survives in mint, untouched condition — five saucers nested in original yellow silk cushion-lining inside the original paulownia-style wooden gift box, with sumi-ink calligraphy on the outer lid, the maker's red seal stamped inside, and the full original Martian Sazanka-series brand pamphlet preserved alongside.

📐 Specifications

• Set composition: 5 saucers + original Martian wooden gift box + original Martian 'Sazanka Series' brand pamphlet
• Saucer dimensions (each): ~11.5 cm ⌀ × 1.5 cm H (~4.5" × 0.6")
• Saucer weight (each): ~93 g (~3.3 oz)
• Set weight (5 saucers, sans box): ~465 g (~16.4 oz / ~1 lb)
• Tomobako (wooden box): ~29.5 × 24 × 5.7 cm (~11.6" × 9.4" × 2.2")
• Material: Pure copper (純銅 / Junkō) — single-metal copper, factory anti-tarnish resin top-coat per Martian pamphlet care text
• Decoration: Sukashi-bori (透かし彫り) — pierced openwork in 4 fan-shape sectors; central plateau with embossed Sazanka (山茶花 / Camellia sasanqua) botanical relief
• Era: Late Showa (1980 / 昭. 55) — Japanese 'modern traditional' tableware era
• Made by Martian / Sazanka Series in 1980, Japan, curated by ZenKiln

🔍 Provenance & Attribution (Tier B)

This set carries strong primary evidence of its origin:

• Original Martian wooden gift box with sumi-ink calligraphy reading 「純銅製 山茶花 茶托揃」 (Junkō-sei Sazanka Chataku-soroe — 'Pure-Copper Sazanka Tea Saucer Set')
• Original red square maker's seal stamped on the inner lid of the tomobako
• Original Martian 「山茶花シリーズ」 (Sazanka Series) full-color brand pamphlet with matching product line and care instructions
• Photo-verified diagnostic features matching the pamphlet's series catalog — same sukashi geometry, same sazanka relief, same patina finish

Curator's note on attribution: ZenKiln assigns this set Tier B attribution per our antique-line claim-safety system. We can confirm with high confidence that this IS a 1980 Martian Sazanka-series chataku set as marked. We do NOT yet have independent KB or external dealer documentation about Martian as a brand (its founding history, workshop location, or post-1980 production span), so we hold back from making historical or biographical claims beyond what is stamped on the box and printed on the pamphlet. This piece was acquired by ZenKiln through the Japanese vintage market.

🌼 Sazanka & Sukashi: Cultural Context

Sazanka (山茶花 / Camellia sasanqua) is the winter-blooming camellia, the quieter sister of the more famous spring-blooming tsubaki. In Japanese decorative arts it stands for persistence — sazanka blooms when most other flowers are dormant — and is a long-established motif on kimono, kashibachi (sweet bowls), tea-utensils, and metalware.

Sukashi-bori (透かし彫り) is the Japanese pierced-openwork technique, with roots in Buddhist temple metalwork and a long history on incense holders (kōro), tetsubin handles, sword-guard tsuba, and decorative trays. The Showa-era 1960s–80s saw a revival of sukashi work in 'modern traditional' Japanese tableware — Martian's Sazanka Series sits squarely in this revival.

🔎 Condition Disclosure (Full)

Condition grade: Mint — presented as-new in original packaging.

• All 5 saucers: no scratches, no dents, no chips, no detectable wear on the patina finish; anti-tarnish resin coating still intact
• Tomobako: original yellow silk cushion-lining intact and clean; calligraphy on outer lid crisp; red maker's seal inside the lid unfaded; wood box shows minor surface aging (typical of stored paulownia-style wood, not damage)
• Sazanka-series pamphlet: original double-fold paper preserved; no tears, no foxing visible; slight surface aging consistent with 46 years of careful storage
• Original silk lining: clean, no staining, holds 5-saucer rosette formation

🍵 Uses & Display

Traditional:

• Chataku for yunomi (湯呑) or guinomi tea cups
• A coordinated 5-piece serving setting for tea ceremony or casual guest-tea

Modern crossover:

• Coasters for water glasses, espresso cups, or whisky glasses
• Small dessert plates for wagashi, chocolates, or fruit
• A pair of saucers as a jewelry / keepsake / ring dish
• Set displayed in a shadowbox as wall-mounted copper art

🧼 Care for Antique Copperware (per Martian's original care card)

• The pure-copper surfaces are protected by a special anti-tarnish resin coating — do NOT use polishing compounds, steel wool, or other abrasive cleaners
• If cleaning is necessary, wipe gently with a soft dry cloth; for heavier soil, use lukewarm water with mild neutral dish soap and pat dry
• Do NOT use a dishwasher
• Avoid impact or contact with hard surfaces — the openwork sukashi zones can deform under pressure

📌 Reference Notes

• 昭和55年 (Shōwa 55) = 1980 (Showa era: 1926–1989)
• 'Pure copper' (純銅 / Junkō) — single-metal copper, distinct from brass (黄銅) or bronze (青銅) alloys
• 'Chataku' (茶托) — the saucer placed under a tea cup in Japanese tea service; traditionally sold in sets of 5

About ZenKiln — A Japan-based curator connecting international collectors with Japan's artisan ceramic tradition. We work closely with the kilns, workshops, and makers featured in our shop — each one disclosed in our About section — and hand-pack every piece in Japan for safe delivery worldwide.

📦 Ships from Japan, hand-packed for safe delivery.

⚠️ Shipping & Returns (Antique-Line)

This is a one-of-one vintage set; we keep only this single set in inventory and cannot reorder. Because this piece is sold as a disclosed-condition antique, returns are not offered except in the case of transit damage (please send photos within 7 days of delivery). For international orders over $500 we recommend adding insured shipping; this piece is below that threshold but insurance is still available on request.