*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 kogo made around 20 years ago by noted potter, Kunisada Katsuhiko.  It is made of high-fired stoneware and it depicts a rabbit doing ’mochitsuki’.  Mochitsuki is the process of pounding steamed rice into dough to make mochi rice dumplings.  The dumplings are then offered to the moon during Tsukimi to express gratitude for bountiful harvests.  According to an old legend, a little rabbit was placed on the moon after he sacrificed himself to help an old man in need.  The little rabbit’s body was gathered up and taken to be buried in the palace of the full moon.  Even to this day we can see him when the moon is full, busily making dumplings to feed those in need.  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 turmeric coloured wrapping cloth for when the kogo is not in use, as well as a Japanese language profile paper about the potter. 

Kunisada Katsuhiko (b.1968) is a Kyo-ware potter and current master of Unseki Gama.  In 1985 he graduated from the Ceramics Department of Kyoto City Fushimi Technical High School, and in 1988 he graduated from Saga Art College after majoring in ceramics.  He began studying under veteran potter Iwabuchi Shigeya the same year.   In 1990 his work was selected for the 19^th Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Branch Exhibition for the first time, and his work has been selected every year since then.   In 1992 he exhibited at the 39^th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, since then he has also exhibited at the 49^th, 52^nd, 53^rd, 55^th, 57^th, 58^th, and 59^th exhibitions.  In 1994 he established Unseki Kiln in Kyoto Prefecture.  In 1995 he exhibited at Seizokai Ichimon Exhibition, and he received the Encouragement Award 3^rd Saga Flower Pottery Exhibition.  He also received the same award at the 46^th exhibition.  In 1999 he received the Encouragement Award at the 28^th Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition, and the Jurors Choice Award at the 7^th Saga Flower Pottery Exhibition.  In he received Second Prize at the 8^th Saga Flower Pottery Exhibition, and he held his first solo exhibition at Central Gallery.  In 2001 he received the Grand Prize at the 9^th Saga Flower Pottery Exhibition, and in 2003 his work was selected for the 17^thJapan Ceramic Art Exhibition.  He also held a solo exhibition at Hankyu Department Store in Osaka.  In 2005 he received the Grand Prize at the 1^st Kikuchi Biennale Exhibition, and he was invited to hold another solo exhibition at Hankyu Department Store.  In 2006 he became a regular member of the Japan Crafts Association, and he held a solo exhibition at Gallery Nawa.  He exhibited again Nawa Gallery in 2007 and 2009.   In 2012 his work was exhibited at the 59^th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition and purchased by the Imperial Household Agency.   **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Kogo are for holding incense during the tea ceremony. Kogo vary depending on the season. In summer wooden kogo are used for holding chips of incense wood, and in winter ceramic kogo are used for holding kneaded incense intended for the hearth. During the tea ceremony, incense is added to the charcoal fire during the charcoal-laying procedure.

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.7.9cm (3.1”) x 7.7cm (3”) x 7.7cm (3”)

Kogo:  H.4.5cm (1.7”)x 5.2cm (2”)across x 6.2cm (2.4”) from back to front                            

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.