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

This listing is for a charming Kyo-ware rabbit okimono made around 30-40 years ago by distinguished potter, Asami Gorosuke IV.  It was of high-fired stoneware slip and coated in milky white glaze.  This beautifully serene bunny has a wonderfully smooth surface, and was most likely made to commemorate the Year of the Rabbit back in 1987. It is also perfect for autumn because it’s the moon viewing season.  This tradition is known as tsukimi, and the humble rabbit is connected to this celebration.  In Japan it is commonly believed that a rabbit lives on the moon, and if you look closely during a full moon you can see him making mochi rice cakes with a mallet. During the months of September and October rabbit tea utensils are very popular.  The signature of the potter can be found on the bottom of the rabbit, and it comes with its original signed wooden storage box.  It also comes with a Japanese language profile paper about the potter.

Asami Gorosuke IV is the 4^th generation head of the Gorosuke family kiln located in the Gojozaka area of Kyoto.  The Asami family has lived in Gojozaka for generations and founded a pottery business in 1852, producing mainly decorative items and tea utensils. The fourth generation studied under his father and succeeded the name Gorosuke IV in 1926.  In October 1960, he was awarded the Medal with Blue Ribbon for his many years of distinguished service.  During his career he served as chairperson of the Kyoto Ceramic Industry Association, he was a full time member of the Kyoto Crafts and Arts Association, an officer in charge of various organisations, and he served as a judge at the Commerce and Industry Exhibition.  He exhibited at and received various awards at overseas exhibitions, and his work was selected for the prestigious Imperial Fine Arts Academy exhibition several times.  He also exhibited at and received awards at other public and private exhibitions in Japan.  His work was purchased by the Imperial Household Ministry four times, and he was honoured by a visit from Princess Teru. He received the Industrial Achievement Award from Prince Fushimi, then president of the Japan Industrial Association. He served four terms as a member of the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was appointed as the Director of the Crafts Department and Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, and was appointed as an evaluation expert for the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He was appointed as a national art preservation judge at the request of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and was designated as a traditional technology preserver.  Throughout his career he worked hard to promote the development of commerce and industry, and he devoted himself to the development of Kyoto's arts and craft industry.  The kiln is now in its 5^th generation and headed by Asami Gorosuke V.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Kyo-ware originated in the 17th century in Kyoto and features overglaze enamel pigments on a porcelain base. The porcelain base acts as white canvas, allowing for beautiful and superior quality designs to be painted. Kyo-ware artisans traditionally produced chawan and utensils for the tea ceremony, however contemporary potters specialize in tableware, tea ceremony items, incense holders, and okimono. Kyo-ware was designated as a traditional craft in 1977.

Sizes

Box:  H.10.8cm (4.2”) x 22.9cm (9”) x 13.5cm (5.3”)

Rabbit:  H.7.2cm (2.8”) x L.18.3cm (7.2”) x W.10.4cm (4”)

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.