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

This listing is for a pair of Kutani-ware yunomi style tea cups made around 20 years ago by noted potter, Sawada Naoto.  They are made of wheel-thrown porcelain and are decorated with hand-painted depictions of blue tsubaki flowers.  Also these cups are what we call meoto style, meaning they are two different sizes and often referred to as a husband and wife pair.  The signature of the potter can be found on the bottom of each cup, and they come with their original paper storage box.  They also come with a Japanese language profile about the potter.

Sawada Naoto (b.1953) is a Kutani-ware potter and current master of Tatsumi Gama.  In 1974 he began studying under master potter Kitade Fujio, and in 1978 he entered the Ceramics Department of Kanazawa Art and Craft University.  In 1981 he opened Tatsumi Gama and two years later he held his first solo exhibition.  In 1989 he began exhibiting on a regular basis at various department stores across Japan.  In 1990 he became a member of the Nikko Association, and the Hokuriku Branch of the Nikko Association.  In 1995 he received the Encouragement Award at the Nikko Kai Exhibition, and he was invited to become a full time member of the Nikko Association.  He became a member of the Ishikawa Prefecture Ceramics Association in 1996.  During his career his work has been selected for several prestigious exhibitions:  the Chunichi International Ceramic Art Exhibition, the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition, the Nitten Fine Arts Exhibition, the Japan New Craft Exhibition, the Kofukai Exhibition, the Issui Association Exhibition, the Ishikawa Modern Art Exhibition, and the Kutani Traditional Art and Crafts Exhibition.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Kutani is the name for porcelain ware made in the town of Kutani, in modern day Ishikawa Prefecture. This type of porcelain ware is known for its vivid colours and distinct designs, which in many cases can cover the entire surface. These designs were influenced by Chinese ceramics, paintings, and textiles. Kutani-ware can be broken into the following types: Ko-Kutani (around 1650-1700), Mokubei style (around 1805-1817), Yoshidaya style (1818-1829), Iidaya Style (1830-1845), Eiraku style (1865-1868), and the Shoza Style (1860-1880). Typical decorating techniques include the Ao-Tsubu pattern with raised blue dots, Saiyu Glazes (red, green, yellow, purple, blue), the Yuri-kinsai technique of using gold leaf and gold powder under transparent glaze, and the ginsai technique of using silver leaf and silver powder under transparent glaze.

Sizes

Paper Box:  H.8.3cm (3.2”) x 17.2cm (6.7”) x 11.8cm (4.6”)

Larger Cup:  H.8.7cm (3.4”) x Dia.7.1cm (2.7”)

Smaller Cup:  H.8.4cm (3.3”) x Dia.6.8cm (2.6”)

Condition

Both cups are 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.