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

This listing is for a Kutani-ware rabbit okimono made around 20 years ago by noted potter Asakura Isokichi III. It is made from a slip mould and coated in glossy purple glaze.  Purple is one of the traditional glaze colours and belongs to the ‘go-sai’ five colour palette.   This piece was most likely made to commemorate the Year of the Rabbit back in 1999. The signature and stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom, and it comes with its original signed wooden storage box.  

Asakura Isokichi III (b. Tomonari 1941) is a Kutani-ware potter and current master of Isokichi Shinko Gama.  During his career his work has been selected for various elite exhibitions, and he has received several awards.  In 1970 he received the Jisho Award at the Ishikawa Prefecture Contemporary Art Exhibition, and in 1972 he received the Grand Prix Award at the same exhibition.  In 1980 he received the Hoki-Kaiin Award at the Japan Contemporary Art and Crafts Exhibition, and in 1987 he received the Special Award at the Ishikawa Contemporary Arts Exhibition.  In 1999 he received the Minister of Education Award at the Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Exhibition, and in 2010 he received the Excellence Award at the Traditional Kutani-ware Art and Crafts Exhibition.  He exhibited at the prestigious Nitten Fine Arts Exhibition on several occasions and received the Nitten Special Selection Award at the 4^th and 18^th exhibitions.  He received the Komatsu City Cultural Award for his efforts in regards to preserving traditional Kutani glazing techniques, and he was certified as a Traditional Craftsperson of Kutani-ware by the Japanese government.  Asakura was appointed Councillor of the Nitten Fine Arts Association, and he is also a Councillor for the Contemporary Craft Artists Association.  He is also an active member of the Kutani-ware Preservation Society.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Kutani refers to porcelain ware made in the town of Kutani, in modern day Ishikawa Prefecture. This type of porcelain ware is known for its vivid colours and distinct designs, which in many cases can cover the entire surface. These designs were influenced by Chinese ceramics, paintings, and textiles. Kutani-ware can be broken into the following types: Ko-Kutani (around 1650-1700), Mokubei style (around 1805-1817), Yoshidaya style (1818-1829), Iidaya Style (1830-1845), Eiraku style (1865-1868), and the Shoza Style (1860-1880). Typical decorating techniques include the Ao-Tsubu pattern with raised blue dots, Saiyu Glazes (red, green, yellow, purple, blue), the Yuri-kinsai technique of using gold leaf and gold powder under transparent glaze, and the ginsai technique of using silver leaf and silver powder under transparent glaze.

Japanese okimono figurines are decorative items used for display purposes. Junishi okimono are those commemorating the twelve animals and mythological beasts from the astrological calendar. The Japanese astrological calendar is known as eto, and the twelve creatures are called junishi. The Zodiac’s popularity peaked during the Edo Era, and it was then that junishi okimono production became more widespread. These days, potters and production kilns produce hundreds of junishi each year to welcome the coming New Year. These are often displayed in shops, restaurants, people’s homes, and in tea rooms.

Sizes

Box:  H.14.8cm (5.8”) x 23.9cm (9.4”) x 14.7cm (5.7”)

Rabbit:  H.10.5cm (4.1”) x L.19cm (7.4”) x W.10.5cm (4.1”)

Condition

It’s in very good condition with no chips or cracks, however there’s a light rattle inside.

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.