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

This listing is for an Utsutsugawa-ware kensui and futaoki set made around 20 years ago by Takemura Rizaemon XII. Kensui are intended for use during the tea ceremony, they hold used water after tea utensils have been rinsed off, whilst a futaoki functions as a lid rest. The lid of the kama is placed on the futaoki when hot water needs to be drawn from the kettle. The bamboo water ladle rests there up until the lid of the kama is removed. The kensui and futaoki in this listing are wheel-thrown and made of high-fired stoneware clay.  The exterior of both pieces is brushed with white slip, and the front is decorated with a hand-painted depiction of a white egret standing in long grass. The signature of the potter can be found on the bottom of the kensui, and they come with a paper storage box. 

Takemura Rizaemon XII is a Hasami-ware potter and former master of Rizaemon Gama. Rizaemon Gama was established during the middle of the Edo period, and at that time was tasked with producing Karatsu-ware for the local feudal lord. Rizaemon pieces were very well received and the kiln became a key producer in the area. The 12th generation referred to himself as a Hasami-ware potter due to the kiln’s location in the Hasami area, however he produced a wide range of wares such as Karatsu, Hasami porcelain pieces, and Utsutsugawa-ware. He specialised in producing Karatsu teaware and was a master of decorating with iron brushwork. The kiln is now headed by Takemura Rizaemon XIII who has taken Rizaemon Gama in a new direction. Rizaemon Gama now specialises in contemporary style Hasami tableware with colourful glazes like that of Minpei-ware, as well as some more traditional porcelain pieces like that of Arita. **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Utsutsugawa-ware refers to pottery produced in the old Hizen province located in modern day Nagasaki prefecture. It’s very thin-bodied, like porcelain, and the clay highly refined despite being rich in iron and dark in colour. It’s a very sophisticated stoneware and often referred to as the Kyoto pottery of Hizen by those in the know.                          

Sizes

Paper Box:  H.9.2cm (3.6”) x 15.5cm (6.1”) x 15.5cm (6.1”)

Kensui:  H.7.1cm (2.7”) x Dia.13.4cm (5.2”)

Futaoki:  H.5.5cm (2.1”) x Dia.5.4cm (2.1”)                                                                              

Condition

Both items 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:  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.