*THIS ITEM WILL SHIP VIA EMS EXPRESS TO ALL AVAILABLE DESTINATIONS.

This listing is for a set of five Karatsu-ware yunomi made by Living National Treasure, Taroemon Nakazato XII. The set consists of five different types of Karatsu-ware: Kuro Karatsu (Black Karatsu), E Karatsu (Brush Decorated Karatsu), Madara Karatsu (Mottled Karatsu), Ki Karatsu (Yellow Karatsu) and Kohiki (Slip Glaze Karatsu).  Each cup is wheel-thrown, and the stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom of each cup. They come with their original signed wooden storage box, as well as several different Japanese language profile papers about the potter, the Nakazato family kiln and Karatsu-ware. This set works out to be 6000 yen per cup. 

Nakazato Taroemon XII (Muan) was a Karatsu-ware potter and twelfth generation master of the Nakazato family kiln.  He became head of the family kiln in 1927 and poured his life’s work into reviving the lost art of Karatsu-ware.  Karatsu’s popularity waned after the population’s focus shifted to the colourful porcelain pieces produced in neighbouring Imari.  Taroemon XII sought to revive lost techniques and bring Karatsu-ware to the attention of tea enthusiasts.  In 1955 he was designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Asset, and in 1976 designated as a Living National Treasure.  He had an illustrious career and was awarded the much coveted Purple Ribbon Medal, as well as the Order of the Sacred Treasure.  His title changed to ‘Muan’ after his son took over the family kiln and assumed the title of Nakazato the 13th in 1969.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and cannot be used in your own listings.

Karatsu-ware is a style of pottery produced in and around Karatsu, Saga Prefecture, Japan. It’s known for its sturdiness and simple style. This type of pottery is made from clay high in iron and can be undecorated or decorated with an iron-based underglaze, giving an earthy, simple, and natural feeling to the pieces. Karatsu-ware features a rich variety of products, including rice bowls, plates, jars, vases and other general items for everyday living.

Sizes

Box:  H.10.4cm (4”) x 42.8cm (16.8”) x 9.3cm (3.6”)

Kuro Karatsu:  H.7.4cm (2.9”) x Dia.6.3cm (2.4”)

E-Karatsu:  H.7.2cm (2.8”) x Dia.6.3cm (2.4”)

Madara:  H.7.5cm (2.9”) x Dia.6.1cm (2.4”)

Ki Karatsu:  H.7.4cm (2.9”) x Dia.6.2cm (2.4”) across

Kohiki:  H.6.8cm (2.6”) x Dia.6.2cm (2.4”)

Condition

The madara cup has a slightly seasoned interior and the profile papers don’t sit flat.

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:  EMS Express 7-10 days.

**Asia:  EMS Express 3-5 days.

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

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.