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

This listing is for a Kyo-ware okimono made around 30-40 years ago by noted potter, Hasegawa Isamu.  It was made from a slip mould and features dark brown glaze over a high-fired stoneware base. It is ample in size and most likely made to commemorate the Year of the Ox back in either 1973 or 1985. The signature of the potter can be found on the bottom, and it comes with its original signed wooden storage box.  It also comes with a yellow wrapping cloth for when the item is not in use. 

Hasegawa Isamu (b.1925) was a Kyo-ware potter and son of distinguished potter Hasegawa Hakuho.  He studied under his father as well as master potter Kusube Yaichi (1897-1984). In 1952 Kasube started the Kyoto Seitokai Association and invited Hasegawa to join, thus providing Hasegawa the opportunity to work alongside some of the best in the business.  In 1953 his work was selected for the prestigious Nitten Exhibition, the first of 15 selections during his career.  In 1964 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs purchased a hakuji porcelain vase that he exhibited at the Nitten exhibition, and they purchased one of his iron glazed vases at the Kyoto Contemporary Ceramics Exhibition the same year.  In 1966 he was invited to join the Asahi Arts and Crafts Forum.  A few years later he exhibited at the Asahi Arts and Crafts Forum Exhibition, as well as the Japan Contemporary Crafts Exhibition on two different occasions.  He exhibited at the Kyoto Exhibition, and he became a member of the Kyoto Crafts Association.  **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.

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.15.6cm (6.1”) x 26.8cm (10.5”) x 18.8cm (7.4”)

Ox:  H.11cm (4.3”) x L.21cm (8.2”) x W.13.5cm (5.3”)

Condition

It’s in very good condition with no chips or cracks, the box however is a little spotty.

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.