*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 Fujina-ware yunomi tea cups made around 20 years ago by noted potter, Tsuchiya Mikio III.  They are wheel-thrown and coated in clear glaze.  The front of each piece is decorated with white slip brushwork, and they’re similar in appearance to Hagi-ware.  The stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom of each cup, and they come with their original signed wooden storage box.   **PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CHASHAKU IS NOT INCLUDED.

Tsuchiya Mikio III is a Fujina-ware potter and third generation master of Unzen Gama.  Unzen Gama was established in 1777 by Tsuchiya Zenshiro under orders of the Matsue clan.  Zenshiro was a Rakuzan potter who was ordered to relocate to Fujina to produce wares for the local daimyo. The second generation became a successful potter and his wares were well received, the gourd-shaped potter stamp was assigned in recognition for his work.  At this time Unzen pieces were rustic in appearance, with little colour. The current generation had a keen interest in developing glazes, so he began expanding the selection to include warm tones such as yellow.  This contributed to the vast array of colourful glazes used by contemporary Fujina-ware potters now.  Tsuchiya mainly produces teaware such as chawan and mizusashi, as well as stylish and modern tableware with slip brushwork and shrimp motifs.  He teaches young artists glaze making and glazing techniques, as well as how to throw pots using the rokuro method.  He also teaches ceramics to elementary and junior high school students, and he is an active member of the Shimane Ceramic Arts Promotion Committee.  He has been formally recognised by the government for his devotion and development of pottery in Shimane Prefecture.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Fujina-ware refers to pottery produced in the Fujina district of Matsue city in Shimane Prefecture.  Shimane is also home to Rakuzan-ware which is historically important to Fujina-ware.  During modern times these two are collectively known as Izumo-ware.  Fujina-ware was established in 1750 during the middle part of the Edo period after Funaki Yojibei Muramasa came to Fujina.  His three sons set up kilns, thus Fujina-ware was born.  The Funaki’s also operated a large production kiln that specialised in wares for daily use, eventually production expanded to include nine kilns.  It was at this time that Tsuchiya Zenshiro’s Rakuzan kiln was closed and he was ordered to relocate to Fujina.  Modern Fujina-ware is characterised by its bright colours, particularly yellow.  Like Banko-ware, it included a variety of styles which range from those produced in southern China, to more delicately hand-painted pieces such as those produced by Kyo-ware potters.  The Funaki and Tsuchiya kilns are still considered to be the two most important kilns in Fujina.

Sizes

Box:  H.10.2cm (4”) x 18.5cm (7.2”) x 12.1cm (4.7”)

Larger Cup:  H.9.6cm (3.7”) x Dia.7.5cm (2.9”)

Smaller Cup:  H.9.3cm (3.6”) x Dia.7.3cm (2.8”)

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.