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

This listing is for a vintage Izushi-ware rabbit okimono made by noted potter, Nagasawa Eizan II. It has a smooth milky white surface, the colour resembles the milky water after rice is washed. It was possibly made to commemorate the Year of the Rabbit back in 1987. The stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom, and it comes with its original signed wooden storage box.

Izushiyaki Gama is an Izushi-ware kiln run by three brothers: Nagasawa Eizan II, Nagasawa Eishin III, and Nagasawa Eishin IV. The kiln was established back in 1902 by Tomoda Yasukiyo, who took the potter name Nagasawa Eishin I. In 1904, he exhibited work at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition and received a gold medal. From then on Izushiyaki Gama became well-known and quite profitable. Nagasawa Eizan II is the first generation’s eldest son, and is one of three brothers who run Izushiyaki Gama. He is the brother of Nagasawa Eishin III, and Nagasawa Eishin IV. Eizan II mastered the hakuji technique at an early age, and began to experiment with the sometsuke technique. He took Izushi-ware in a whole new direction, and soon other potters began to follow. His efforts were recognized and he was selected to exhibit at the prestigious Nitten Exhibition. He later became a member of the Nitten Exhibition Association, and was invited to become an exhibition judge. **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.11.4cm (4.4”) x 20.2cm (7.9”) x 15.4cm (6”)

Rabbit:  H.13cm (5.1”) x 17.5cm (6.8”) from back to front x 7.5cm (2.9”) across                    

Condition

It’s in very good condition with no chips or cracks, the wooden box however is a little spotty and discoloured.  Also one of the strips of wood on the underside of the lid is missing. 

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.