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

This listing is for a Tokoname-ware tsukimi ornament made around 20-30 years ago. Tsukimi is a story about the rabbit that lives on the moon. According to legend, a little rabbit was placed there after he sacrificed himself to help someone in need. It is said that a rabbit, a monkey, and a fox lived together in a forest. During the day they would play in the tall grass, and at night they would go back to the forest. The lord of the highest heaven wanted to know how true their friendship was, so he disguised himself as an old man and visited the forest. Upon seeing the three creatures he explained that he was weak and tired from travelling, and asked for something to eat. The monkey quickly set off to gather nuts, and the fox offered fish he caught in his trap. The rabbit ran through the fields in search of something to offer the old man, but found nothing. When he returned the fox and the monkey teased him, and the rabbit began to feel discouraged and worthless. He asked the monkey to gather some wood, and the fox to set fire to it. The rabbit, not knowing what else he could offer the old man, jumped into the fire. The old man began to weep, he was overwhelmed with emotion after witnessing the rabbit sacrifice himself. He thanked the monkey and the fox for their kind and thoughtful offerings, and then revealed himself as lord of the highest heaven. He gathered up the little rabbit’s body and took it to heaven to be buried in the palace of the full moon. Even to this day we can see him when the moon is full, busily making dumplings to feed those in need.  This piece was most likely made to commemorate the Year of the rabbit back in either 1987 or 1999.

Tokoname-ware refers to stoneware pottery made in Tokoname City in Aichi Prefecture. This type of pottery has been in production for over 1000 years, and originally potters created religious items as well as tea utensils. Tokoname-ware is now more widely known for its pottery using red clay.

Japanese okimono figurines are decorative items used for display purposes. Junishi okimono are those commemorating the twelve animals and mythological beasts from the astrological calendar. The Japanese astrological calendar is known as eto, and the twelve creatures are called junishi. The Zodiac’s popularity peaked during the Edo Era, and it was then that junishi okimono production became more widespread. These days, potters and production kilns produce hundreds of junishi each year to welcome the coming New Year. These are often displayed in shops, restaurants, people’s homes, and in tea rooms.                                                                                                                          

Size

H.14cm (5.5”) x L.15cm (5.9”) x W.9.1cm (3.5”)                                                                        

Condition

There’s a tiny white spot on the back where the glaze has chipped off, and some wear on the bottom and on its front paw.                                                                                           

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.