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

This listing is for a Kutani-ware okimono made around 20-30 years ago by noted potter, Miyamoto Tomotada.  It is made from a slip mould and moulded to resemble a pair of rabbits.  Each rabbit is coated in partially transparent white glaze, and their ears and eyes are trimmed with red glaze.  This piece was most likely made to commemorate the Year of the Rabbit back in 1999. 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 yellow wrapping cloth to protect the item when it’s not in use. 

Miyamoto Tomotada (1915-2007) was a Kutani-ware potter and son of noted potter Miyamoto Kakusho. He began studying pottery in 1930 under master potter Tsukitani Hatsuko (1869-1945) and Japanese sculptor Asakura Fumio (1883-1964). In 1963 he became independent and opened Kenō Gama, specialising in ceramic sculpture and decorative okimono.  During his career his work appeared in a staggering number of exhibitions, and he received several awards.  In 1969 he received the Encouragement Award at the 10^th Ishikawa Traditional Crafts Association Exhibition, and in 1975 he received the same award at the 16^th Ishikawa Traditional Crafts Association Exhibition.  He also received the Kutani-ware New Work Award at the 13^th Kutani-ware New Collection Exhibition held in Ishikawa Prefecture.  In 1986 he was certified as a Traditional Craftsperson by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry for his crystalline glazed pieces.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Japanese okimono figurines are decorative items used for display purposes. Junishi okimono are those commemorating the twelve animals and mythological beasts from the astrological calendar. The Japanese astrological calendar is known as eto, and the twelve creatures are called junishi. The Zodiac’s popularity peaked during the Edo Era, and it was then that junishi okimono production became more widespread. These days, potters and production kilns produce hundreds of junishi each year to welcome the coming New Year. These are often displayed in shops, restaurants, people’s homes, and in tea rooms.

Kutani is the name for porcelain ware made in the town of Kutani, in modern day Ishikawa Prefecture. This type of porcelain ware is known for its vivid colours and distinct designs, which in many cases can cover the entire surface. These designs were influenced by Chinese ceramics, paintings, and textiles. Kutani-ware can be broken into the following types: Ko-Kutani (around 1650-1700), Mokubei style (around 1805-1817), Yoshidaya style (1818-1829), Iidaya Style (1830-1845), Eiraku style (1865-1868), and the Shoza Style (1860-1880). Typical decorating techniques include the Ao-Tsubu pattern with raised blue dots, Saiyu Glazes (red, green, yellow, purple, blue), the Yuri-kinsai technique of using gold leaf and gold powder under transparent glaze, and the ginsai technique of using silver leaf and silver powder under transparent glaze.

Sizes

Box:  H.16.2cm (6.3”) x 17.4cm (6.8”) x 14.6cm (5.7”)

Rabbits:  H.10.7cm (4.2”) x 14.5cm (5.7”) across x W.11.8cm (4.6”)

Condition

This piece 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.