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

This listing is for an Omuro-ware chakin zutsu and bonkinire set made around 20 years ago by noted potter, Kitamura Wazen IV.  A chakin zutsu is a container for chakin, a chakin being a cloth to wipe chawan.  These small containers are also referred to as kinto.  The bonkinire is larger than a chakin zutsu, and functions as a container to hold a cloth for wiping the tray.  Both items are wheel-thrown and decorated with a ‘matsuba’ pine needle pattern. This arrow-like pattern represents the long needles that fall from trees, which symbolize longevity and perseverance. It was a traditional favourite amongst samurai because it was believed to protect the wearer from harm.  The stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom of each piece, and they come with their original signed wooden storage box.  They also come with a turmeric coloured wrapping cloth for when the items are not in use.      

Kitamura Wazen IV (b.1948) is an Omuro-ware potter and eldest son of Kitamura Wazen III.  In 1967 he graduated from the ceramics department of Kyoto Municipal Hiyoshigaoka High School.  In 1991 he received the Encouragement Award at the Japan Sencha Craft Exhibition, and he became the fourth generation master of the Wazen family kiln.  In 1992 he received the Encouragement Award from the Ministry of Education at the Japan Sencha Craft Exhibition, and in 1994 he received the Chairperson’s Award at the same exhibition.  In 1995 he received the Obaku Award at the Japan Sencha Craft Exhibition, and in 1996 he received the All Japan Senchado Federation Award at the same exhibition.  He also received the All Japan Senchado Federation Award in 1997 and again in 1998.  In 1999 he received the Obaku Award, and in 2000 and 2001 he received the Kyoto Shimbun Award.  In 2002 he received the All Japan Sencha Crafts Association Award, and in 2005 and 2006 the All Japan Federation Award.  In 2007 he received the Kyoto Shimbun Award, and in 2009 the All Japan Sencha Crafts Association Award.  In 2010 he held the Kitamura Wazen Omuro-ware Exhibition in Kyoto, and in 2011 he received the Obaku Award at the Japan Sencha Crafts Exhibition.  He received the same award again in 2013 for an octagonal shaped tea set.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Omuro-ware refers to pottery produced in Kyoto.  Kitamura Wazen I was originally a Kutani-ware potter but moved to Kyoto and built a kiln in the Higashiyama district.  The third generation moved the kiln to Omuro Narutaki where the gate of Ninnaji Temple used to be.  He dedicated his time to making utensils for sencha, and referred to his work as Omuro-ware.  Omuro-ware uses the traditions and techniques of Kyo-ware handed down through the generations since the times of Ninsei and Kenzan.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Koedo and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Sizes

Box:  H.10.4cm (4”) x 8.1cm (3.1”) x 8.1cm (3.1”)

Kinto/Chakin Zutsu:  H.5cm (1.9”) x Dia.3.5cm (1.3”)

Bonkinire:  H.4.7cm (1.8”) x Dia.4.6cm (1.8”)

Condition

The entire set is 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.