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

This listing is for an attractive Mino-ware crane kogo made around 20 years ago by noted potter, Terada Bizan III. It is made of stoneware and moulded to resemble a crane. Cranes are thought to live for 1000 years, so they are regarded as an auspicious character symbolizing longevity.  They are commonly used to decorate teaware during New Year to bring year round fortune.  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 is ample in size and it appears unused.  The stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom, and it comes with its original signed storage box. It also comes with a stamped turmeric coloured wrapping cloth for when the item is not in use. 

Terada Bizan III (1928-2007) was a Mino-ware potter and third generation master of Yutaka Gama located in Seto city, Aichi Prefecture. He studied under his father and succeeded as head of the kiln after his father passed away. He was selected to exhibit at the prestigious Nitten exhibition, the Asahi Ceramics Exhibition, as well as the annual Kofukai Art Association Exhibition. He received the Seto City Ceramic Art Exhibition Association Award, the Encouragement Award at the Aichi Prefecture Industrial Crafts Exhibition, the Mayors Choice Award at the Seto Citizen Exhibition, the Kashu Award at the Kansai Art Exhibition, the Mayors Choice Award at the Koromo Art Exhibition, and the Encouragement Award at the Aichi Art and Crafts Exhibition. One of his pieces was purchased and is on permanent display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York city, and he was commissioned by the mayor of Kurobe city to make tea utensils as a commemorative gift for President Jimmy Carter. He was also invited to exhibit at the Taipei International Ceramic Art Exhibition, and he held various solo and joint exhibitions with his father throughout his career.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Mino-ware refers to pottery produced in what was formerly the old Mino Province. Early examples of Mino-ware were predominantly ash-glazed stoneware pieces. Later however the use of the potter’s wheel, as well as a greater variety of glazes, began to characterize what is often thought to ideally represent Mino pottery today. Larger production kilns like Kozangama in Gifu Prefecture produce wares similar to Imari and Arita-ware. Various other kilns specialize in producing budget priced tableware, along with high end wares for various brand name stores and franchises around the country such as Tachikichi in Kyoto.

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.7cm (2.7”) x 12.3cm (4.8”) x 9.2cm (3.6”)

Kogo:  H.2.8cm (1.1”) x L.9.9cm (3.8”) x W.4.8cm (1.8”)

Condition

It’s in excellent 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.