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

This listing is for a splendid Izushi-ware snake okimono made by distinguished potter, Nagasawa Eishin IV.  It has a smooth milky white surface, and was possibly made to commemorate the Year of the Snake back in 2013. The process for making okimono involves crushing locally sourced stones, dissolving them in water, and pouring the liquid into a mould.  After drying, details such as eyes are carved out and the item is fired at 1300 degrees.  The piece is then glazed and refired at a high temperature for an entire day. The seal of the potter can be found on the bottom, and it comes with its original signed wooden storage box.  It also comes with a Japanese language profile about the Nagasawa family of potters.

Nagasawa Eishin IV (b.1938) is an Izushi-ware potter and the fourth generation master of the Nagasawa family kiln since 1979.  In 1961 he graduated from the Kyoto Art University College of Art and Design, and was first selected for the prestigious Nitten Exhibition just four years later. In all he has been selected 29 times, receiving the Nitten Special Selection Award in 1995 and 2000.  He was selected for the opening of the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, and is currently a full time member of the Japan Contemporary Craft Association.  He is also the Vice Chairman of the Taijima Arts and Culture Association, and is still active as a leading porcelain artist in Japan.  Nagasawa has two pieces on permanent display in the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Izushi-ware refers to white porcelain produced in the town of Izushi, in Hyogo Prefecture. During the 1700s kaolin was discovered in the area, resulting in an influx of craftsmen being brought in from Arita to help with production. Izushi-ware is characterized by its clean, pure white surface, as well as its elegant designs. Also there are two types of glazes, transparent and matte. These days kilns mainly produce items for the tea ceremony, but they also produce a fine range of vases and okimono. 

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.11cm (4.3”) x 18.5cm (7.2”) x 13.3cm (5.2”)

Snake:  H.10.5cm (4.1”) x 15.5cm (6.1”) across x 8.7cm (3.4”) from back to front

Condition

It’s in very good condition with no chips or cracks, however the box is just a tiny bit spotty.

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.