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

This listing is for a set of five Utsutsugawa-ware hashioki chopstick rests made around 20 years ago by distinguished potter, Yokoishi Gagyu XIII.  Each piece is moulded to resemble a stalk of bamboo, and they feature transparent mint green glaze over dark high-fired stoneware.  Bamboo is a popular motif because it is one of the three friends of winter.  Bamboo, matsu pine and ume are admired in both Japan and China as they do not wither against the cold of winter.  All three plants are regarded as auspicious and are believed to symbolise endurance and strength.   The stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom of each piece, and they come with their original wooden storage box. 

Yokoishi Gagyu (b.1925) is the 13th Master of Gagyu kiln located in Nagasaki, Kyushu.  In 1975 he was designated an Intangible Cultural Property of Nagasaki Prefecture, which is just one step away from becoming a National Living Treasure.  He has been awarded many prizes throughout his career including first prize at the prestigious National Traditional Crafts Exhibition.  He is perhaps best known for reviving traditional techniques associated with Utsutsugawa-ware, and also for his contribution to modern day Arita-ware.  **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

Box:  H.3.9cm (1.5”) x 26.2cm (10.3”) x 6.1cm (2.4”)

Hashioki:  H.1.1cm (0.4”) x L.5cm (1.9”) x W.2.2cm (0.8”)

Condition

The entire set is in very good condition with no chips or cracks, the box however is a little spotty.

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.