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

This listing is for a small Kyo-ware seihakuji porcelain koi okimono made around 40 years ago by noted potter, Isami Matsumoto. Seihakuji refers to porcelain ware with a clear glaze that turns blue after reacting with the iron content of the clay. Several years ago we had another Matsumoto koi that came with a small paper explaining the legend of the koi that swam upstream through waterfalls and other obstacles to reach the top of a mountain.  After reaching the top the koi passed through the Dragon Gate and transformed into a mighty dragon.  The paper went on to say that it is hoped that the koi will inspire you to reach your goals, and to give you the courage needed to get through hard times - very apt for the times we live in. 

Matsumoto Isami (b.1931) is a Kyo-ware potter born and raised in Kyoto.  He studied porcelain, celadon, hakuji and enamel techniques from his father, and then he furthered his studies under master potter Kusube Yaichi (1897-1984). He was a member of the Nitten Fine Arts Association, the Kyoto Seitokai Association, the Kyoto Branch of the Modern Crafts Association, the Kyoto Prefecture Art and Crafts Association, the Japan Art and Crafts Association, and the Geijitsuin Art Association.  During his career his work was selected for the prestigious Nitten Exhibition (nine times), the Kyoto Prefecture Art and Crafts Exhibition (twelve times), the Kyoto City Art Exhibition (eight times), the Japan Modern Crafts Exhibition (four times), the Kyoto Modern Craft Exhibition, the Asahi Modern Ceramics Exhibition (few times), the Asahi New Works Exhibition, and the Kansai Sogo Art Exhibition (few times).  At the Kansai Sogo Art Exhibition he received several awards, and in Kyoto he received the Kyoto Artist Association Exhibition Award.  He also received the Mayors Award at the Kyoto City Art Exhibition, and the Asahi Shimbun Award twice.  He participated in the Japan Modern Craft Exhibition in Hawaii and New Zealand, and his work was also selected for the Berlin Geijitsu Expo.  Matsumoto is best known for his mastery of the dobe-mori technique. This technique involves using multiple layers of powdered clay to create a three-dimensional surface. **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Celadon refers to a type of glaze as well as a specific type of ware, both are characterized by a very pale green, powder blue, or grey-blue colour. The colour largely depends on the presence of iron in the clay and of iron oxide, manganese oxide, and quartz particles in the glaze. Firing conditions in the kiln also play a big role in determining colour.

Japanese okimono figurines are decorative items used for display purposes. There are those for religious purposes, junishi animals for commemorating the Japanese astrological calendar, and those depicting auspicious symbols such as ise ebi, cranes, foo lions and tortoises. Auspicious symbols and junishi are made to usher in the New Year. They are often displayed in shops, restaurants, people’s homes, and tea rooms. The okimono in this listing depicts a koi, the koi being a symbol of courage and perseverance demonstrated by its ability to swim against currents and travel upstream.    

Size

H.5.7cm (”) x L.17.8cm (7”) x W.5cm (1.9”)                                                                              

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 ePacket (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail ePacket (please send us a message).

**Asia:  Airmail ePacket (approx. 15-21 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail ePacket (please send us a message).

**Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico:  EMS Express 10-15 days.

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.