*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS.

This listing is for an Asahi-ware futaoki made around 20 years ago by 14^th generation Asahi Gama, one of the Seven Kilns of Enshu.  A futaoki functions as a lid rest during the tea ceremony. The lid of the kama is placed on the futaoki when hot water needs to be drawn from the kettle. The bamboo water ladle rests there up until the lid of the kama is removed. The futaoki featured in this listing is wheel-thrown and decorated with matsuba pine needles.  The arrow-like matsuba pattern depicts the long needles that fall from trees, and they symbolize longevity and perseverance.   It was a traditional favourite amongst samurai because it was believed to protect the wearer from harm. This pattern is used extensively for textiles, pottery and teaware, this futaoki being a fine example of such.  The signature of the kiln can be found near the bottom, and it comes with its original signed wooden storage box.  It also comes with a stamped yellow wrapping cloth for when the item is not in use, as well as a Japanese language profile about the kiln and Asahi-ware.

Asahi Gama opened in the early 17^th century on the banks of the Uji River, and is currently in its 15^th generation.  The kiln’s purpose was to produce teaware under the instruction of tea master Kobori Enshu.  The first three generations produced only teaware, and used clay dug from the surrounding mountains.  The next four generations produced teaware along with roof tiles, however the eighth generation switched back to just teaware.  These days the kiln produces chawan, hobin, small shibori-dashi teapots, mizusashi, and some western style teapots.  The western influence came from the younger brother of the 13^th generation who spent some time in England.  Asahi Gama pieces are high quality, and possess good tea flavour.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Asahi-ware, one of the Seven Kilns of Enshu, refers to pottery produced in the Uji district of Kyoto.  Uji is famous for tea, and was a major tea producing area during Sen no Rikyu’s time.  Traditionally Asahi-ware consisted of mainly tea bowls and hobin style teapots, shaded teas like gyokuro were seldom brewed in kyusu.  The clay is light coloured, and the glazes and decoration subtle in appearance. 

Sizes

Box:  H.7.4cm (2.9”) x 7.4cm (2.9”) x 7.4cm (2.9”)

Futaoki:  H.4.6cm (1.8”) x Dia.4.8cm (1.8”)

Condition

It’s in very good condition with no chips or cracks.

THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION             

**Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia:  NO SHIPPING.  Very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to these countries.  We have no plan to register at this time because the process is in some cases very expensive and complicated, plus each country has its own set of regulations and application process. 

**USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Asia:  Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-21 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico:  EMS Express 10-15 days.

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.