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

This listing is for a Kikko-ware futaoki made around 20 years ago by noted potter Kikko Jusoken VIII.  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 decorated with hand-painted depiction of a rat nibbling on a radish. In Japan there is a small type of round-shaped radish with a long, thin root. The shape is similar to a chubby rat, and the root looks like a tail. These radishes are called ‘nezumi daikon’, which translates as rat daikon. For this reason rats and daikon are often depicted together on tableware and teaware, especially at New Year. This piece was most likely made to commemorate the Year of the Rat back in 1996. The stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom, and it comes with its original signed wooden storage box. It also comes with a blue coloured wrapping cloth for when the item is not in use. 

Kikko Jusoken VIII (b.1948) is a Kikko-ware potter and fourth son of Kikko Jusoken VII.  He studied under his father and became the eighth generation master of Jusoken Gama in 1971. Jusoken Gama is located at the foot of Mt. Ikoma in Higashiosaka, all clay is sourced in the local area and is similar to that used by Kiyomizu potters in Kyoto.
Jusoken mainly produces tea bowls, he is held in high regard by the Urasenke tea-ceremony school and is often commissioned to produce pieces for special events.  He also holds solo exhibitions in and around the Kansai region.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Kikko-ware refers to pottery produced in Osaka Prefecture.  The founder, Yoshimukai Shogetsu I, studied Raku pottery making in Kyoto and brought this knowledge back to Osaka.  He built his own kiln and began producing tea utensils in the same manner as Aka-Raku.  Towards the end of the 1800s, Minpei potters began glazing their pieces a brilliant green colour.  This had a profound effect on the kilns in the Osaka area, and before long they were producing tea utensils glazed a beautiful vivid green.  Kikko potters went on to produce a whole new palette of colours, each one brighter than the next, and these glazes still maintain the same popularity today.

Sizes

Box:  H.8cm (3.1”) x 7.2cm (2.8”) x 7.2cm (2.8”)

Futaoki:  H.5.5cm (2.1”) x Dia.5.9cm (2.3”)

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.