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

This listing is for an attractive Kyo-ware chawan made around 20 years ago by Oshikoji Gama.  It is wheel-thrown and the flat hira type used during the summer season.  It is made of light coloured stoneware and both the front and interior is decorated with small crabs.  According to Japanese folklore crabs are believed to embody the souls of fallen samurai, and they’re a symbol of power and strength.  The stamp of the kiln can be found on the bottom, and it comes with a signed wooden storage box.

Oshikoji Gama is said to have been opened in 1624 by the founder of Awataguchi-ware, Sanmonjiya Kuemon (Awata Kuzaemon).  Kuzaemon was from the Seto area of Owari Province.  He produced tea utensils and served as a tea master for the shogunate since the reign of the third generation shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu.  His two sons, Shoemon and Tsukemon, had studied under Ninsei so from the opening of the kiln to the Meiwa era (1764-1772), the kiln actively produced Ninsei style works stamped ‘Oshikoji’.  In addition to the works of Ninsei, Oshikoji Gama also produced underglazed sometsuke pieces and celadon works.  Records also suggest that they made lead glazed Raku earthenware using technology introduced from China.   The current master of Oshikoji Gama is Awata Shozaemon.  He is a Ninsei specialist and primarily produces teaware, his work is entirely hand-painted using overglaze enamels and traditional glazing techniques.  His motifs range from seasonal themes to more traditional patterns associated with the Urasenke school of tea.  He is a member of the Kyoto Ceramics Centre Association and has participated in several exhibitions in the Kansai area.  **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.                                                                        

Sizes

Box:  H.9.7cm (3.8”) x 16.5cm (6.4”) x 16.5cm (6.4”)

Chawan:  H.5.5cm (2.1”) x Dia.13.6cm (5.3”)                                                                           

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:  EMS Express (approx. 7-15 days).  Combined shipping available (please send us a message) but please note that the price does not get cheaper for Airmail or EMS, in fact it becomes more expensive.  If you want to save money and don't mind a very long 3 month wait, request sea mail (11-12 weeks depending on processing and backlogs at destination ports). Inexpensive Airmail Small Packet option unavailable.

**UK and Canada:  EMS Express (approx. 7-15 days).  Combined shipping available (please send us a message) but please note that the price does not get cheaper for EMS, in fact it becomes more expensive.  If you want to save money and don't mind a very long 3 month wait, request sea mail (11-12 weeks depending on processing and backlogs at destination ports). Inexpensive Airmail Small Packet and regular Airmail is currently unavailable.

**Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail ePacket (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail ePacket (please send us a message).

**Asia:  Airmail ePacket (approx. 15-21 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail ePacket (please send us a message).

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.