Antique Japanese Meiji Earthenware Teapot and 17 similar items

Antique Japanese earthenware teapot, dating to the late Meiji to early Taish? period, approximately 1890?1920. This era corresponds to a time when Japanese pottery workshops produced finely hand-painted functional wares using long-established forms and techniques. The teapot is hand painted with horse, mountain, floral, and figural scenes, combining landscape elements with narrative imagery. A prominent mountain form appears in the decoration and floral scene on the other side. Several construction details support the dating of this piece. The spout is set high on the body and angled upward, a feature commonly associated with earlier functional teapot forms designed for controlled pouring. The rounded body, fitted lid, and swing handle are consistent with Japanese earthenware teapots produced circa 1890?1920. The underside of the lid and base bear matching workshop markings, including an English ?TOP? notation on the lid. These markings are consistent with export-era handling or assembly practices, used to keep fitted components together during firing, glazing, and packing, and are typical of organized pottery workshop production of the time. The teapot retains its original lid and swing handle. One side of the handle includes an original wrapped cord binding, now partially unraveled and left as found, allowing a future owner the option to stabilize or restore if desired. CONDITION Overall good antique condition, consistent with age and traditional manufacture. The underside shows a dark linear area near the foot, which is not a crack or later damage. This appears to be a firing or forming characteristic from manufacture, visible beneath the glaze and stable, with no movement or separation. Such kiln-related marks are commonly seen on early earthenware pieces. There is a very small chip to the upper edge of the spout, subtle and age-appropriate, and not affecting the overall form or display. No cracks or repairs observed. slight staining to interior. I made no attempt to clean. I usually do but it looked like it had been like that for awhile. Surface wear, glaze variation, and minor imperfections are consistent with an authentic antique Japanese earthenware teapot from this period. Please review all photos carefully, as they are considered part of the description.