This listing is for a very special Kyo-ware chawan which is a collaboration between two Kyoto artisans: potter Zoroku Mashimizu IV, and painter Kato Toichi.  It is wheel-thrown by Zoroku and hand-painted by Kato.  The simple yet skilfully painted design features a cormorant fishing bird painted with iron oxide.  Cormorant fishing, known as ukai in Japanese, is a 1300-year-old tradition particularly famous along the Nagaragawa River in Gifu, and the Arashiyama part of Kyoto.  Fishermen in long wooden boats lead cormorants that swim alongside the boat catching fish.  The event attracts many visitors during the summer season, and master fishermen have official patronage from the emperor.  Kato’s signature can be found to the right of the cormorant, and Zoroku’s seal is stamped on the bottom.  It comes with its original signed wooden storage box, and a signed turmeric coloured wrapping cloth for when the bowl is not in use.  There is an inscription under the lid explaining that this piece is named “Seiryu”, which translates as ‘clear stream’.  *PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CHASHAKU TEA SCOOP AND CHASEN TEA WHISKS ARE NOT INCLUDED.

Kato Toichi (1916 – 1996) was a very highly regarded Japanese-style painter from Gifu Prefecture who studied under the great Yamaguchi Hosun.  His career was launched after receiving First Prize at the Nitten Exhibition, as well as the highly coveted Prime Ministers Award in 1947. In 1993 he completed work in the Temple of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, and he received the Person of Cultural Merit Award the same year.  He was promoted to president of the prestigious Nitten Council, but unfortunately passed away three years later.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and cannot be used in your own listings.

Zoroku Mashimizu IV (b.1933) is the 4^th generation head of the famous Zoroku family in Kyoto.  He studied under his father Zoroku III, and took over as master of the family kiln in 1971 after his father passed away.  He has collaborated with artisans such Kato Toichi, Murakami Jikai and the head priest of Rokuonji temple (Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion).  He is best known for his quiet, simple forms and primarily produces tea utensils.  Zoroku teaware commands high prices, especially chawan. The Zoroku family kiln is now in its 5^th generation.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and cannot be used in your own listings.

Kyo-ware originated in the 17th century in Kyoto and features overglaze enamel pigments on a porcelain base. The porcelain base acts as white canvas, allowing for beautiful and superior quality designs to be painted. Kyo-ware artisans traditionally produced chawan and utensils for the tea ceremony, however contemporary potters specialize in tableware, tea ceremony items, incense holders, and okimono. Kyo-ware was designated as a traditional craft in 1977.                                                                        

Sizes

Box:  H.11.2cm (4.4”) x 14.7cm (5.7”) x 14.7cm (5.7”)

Chawan:  H.7.5cm (2.9”) x Dia.12.4cm (4.8”)                                                                           

Condition

It’s in very good condition aside from a slightly seasoned interior and a small firing crack on the bottom.  The crack doesn’t go right through and doesn’t affect usage whatsoever.                                                                                                                            

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.