*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 rabbit okimono made around 20 years ago by noted potter, Morino Kako. It was made from a slip mould and coated in glossy white 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 for when the item is not in use. 

Morino Kako (1899-1987) was a Kyo-ware potter and father of internationally renowned artist Morino Hiroaki Taimei.  Morino’s father was a Kiyomizu-ware potter, however Morino decided to pursue a career as a painter.  In 1921 he graduated from Kyoto Painting College after studying the Nihonga Japanese style of painting, and his work was selected for the 3rd Teiten Exhibition.  He also exhibited at the 7th Emperor Exhibition the same year. Two years later he decided to switch to ceramics after becoming interested in celadon pottery.  He studied about celadon and red shinsha glaze from his father, and in 1927 his work was selected for the Teiten Exhibition.  During his career his work was selected for several exhibitions, including the prestigious Nitten Fine Arts Exhibition.  Major achievements include an award for a vase at the Bunten Exhibition in 1941, an award for a contemporary style vase at the Japan Art Academy Exhibition in 1963, and the Kyoto City Cultural Merit Award in 1967.  In 1949 he established the Kyoto Ceramic Group with Kiyomizu Rokubei and Kawai Einosuke, and in 1952 he became a judge for the Nitten exhibition.   In 1958 he joined the Nitten Committee and was promoted to councillor, and in 1962 he participated in the establishment of the Association of Contemporary Craft Artists.  In 1971 he became Director of Nitten, and he became a member of the Association of Contemporary Craft Artists until 1979. One year later he was designated as a traditional craftsperson of Kyo-ware, and in 1980 he became a representative of the Japan Federation of New Craftspeople.  In 1986 he held a special 60th Anniversary Exhibition, this was his final exhibition before passing away one year later in 1987.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

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.

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.

Sizes

Box:  H.10cm (3.9”) x 14cm (5.5”) x 9.2cm (3.6”)

Rabbit:  H.6.9cm (2.7”) x L.12cm (4.7”) x W.6cm (2.3”)

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.