*THIS ITEM WEIGHS 1700GRAMS WITHOUT PACKAGING, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR SHIPPING UPGRADES.

This listing is for a set of five Mino-ware plates made around 30 years ago by Kobei Gama.  They are made of high-fired stoneware and each plate is decorated with a different pattern – ume blossoms, ‘debune’ departing ships, double mugwort, flowing water and autumn grass.  These patterns are copies of work produced by Ogata Kenzan (1663-1743) during the Edo period.  This is a lovely set for any season and perfect for serving sweets.  The signature of the kiln can be found on the bottom of each plate, and they come with their original signed wooden storage box.  SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS LISTING FOR SHIPPING UPGRADE INFORMATION.

Kobei Gama is a Mino-ware kiln established in 1804 in the Ichinokura pottery district in Gifu Prefecture. It has spanned seven generations making it one of the oldest kilns in the area. The 6th generation master was Living National Treasure Kato Kobei VI (1917 - 2005). The kiln has an adjoining gallery displaying pieces made by the 5th, 6th, and 7th generations, the highlight being Kato Kobei VI’s Nara sansai glazed porcelain wares. Kobei Gama produces a wide range of high quality hand-painted tableware, as well as vases and teaware. **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and cannot be used in your own listings.

Mino-ware refers to pottery produced in what was formerly the old Mino Province, which is modern day Gifu Prefecture. Early examples of Mino-ware were predominantly ash-glazed stoneware pieces. Later however the use of the potter’s wheel, as well as a greater variety of glazes, began to characterize what is often thought to ideally represent Mino pottery today. Larger production kilns like Kozangama in Gifu Prefecture produce wares similar to Imari and Arita-ware. Various other kilns specialize in producing budget priced tableware, along with high end wares for various brand name stores and franchises around the country such as Tachikichi in Kyoto.                                                   

Sizes

Box:  H.10.5cm (4.1”) x 18.9cm (7.4”) x 18.9cm (7.4”)

Plates:  H.1.4cm (0.5”) x Dia.16.5cm (6.4”)                                                                              

Condition

Two plates are very lightly seasoned with use, another is quite stained.  Please refer to the last three photos.                                                                                                             

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: SAL Sea Mail (approx. 11-12 weeks), an upgrade for EMS Express (10-15 days) available for an additional 5100 yen. 

**UK , Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: SAL Sea Mail (approx. 8-12 weeks depending on the destination), an upgrade for EMS Express (10-15 days) available for an additional 4050 yen. 

**Asia: SAL Sea Mail (approx. 6-8 weeks), an upgrade for EMS Express (7-10 days) available for an additional 2050 yen.

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.