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

This listing is for a Karatsu-ware kogo made around 20 years ago by distinguished potter, Nakazato Taroemon XIII. It is made of high-fired stoneware and moulded to resemble a couching rabbit. Also the sides of the rabbit feature iron oxide brush markings to create the illusion of long grass.  During autumn in Japan people enjoy moon viewing and a custom known as tsukimi.  During tsukimi people gaze up at the autumn moon hoping to catch a glimpse of the rabbit that according to legend lives on the moon.  Rabbit-themed teaware is very popular during the harvest moon season.  Its size and shape is suitable for both woodchip and kneaded incense, although pottery kogo are typically used for kneaded incense during the cooler months. This piece was most likely made to commemorate the Year of the Rabbit back in 1999. The three dot stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom, and it comes with its original signed storage box. It also comes with two Japanese language profile papers about Karatsu-ware and the Nakazato family of potters, as well as a small blue wrapping cloth for when the item is not in use. 

Nakazato Taroemon XIII (1923 – 2009) was born in Karatsu in Saga Prefecture and is the 13th generation head of the Nakazato family kiln. He launched his career as a professional potter after he won first prize at the prestigious Nitten Exhibition in 1951. He took over the family kiln and assumed the title of Nakazato the 13th in 1969. In 1984 he won first prize at the Japan Art Academy Award, and he was designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Saga in 1992. Three years later he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Japanese government. In 1997 he became a full time member of the Japan Arts Council, and in 2008 was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, one of the highest honours in Japan. Unfortunately, he passed away from leukaemia just one year later. **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.

Kogo are for holding incense during the tea ceremony. Kogo vary depending on the season. In summer wooden kogo are used for holding chips of incense wood, and in winter ceramic kogo are used for holding kneaded incense intended for the hearth. During the tea ceremony, incense is added to the charcoal fire during the charcoal-laying procedure.

Sizes

Box:  H.7.7cm (3”) x 10.4cm (4”) x 5.7cm (2.2”)

Rabbit:  H.3.2cm (1.2”) x L.8.3cm (3.2”) x W.3.5cm (1.3”)

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.