*FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES SHIPPING IS SET FOR EMS EXPRESS TO ALL AVAILABLE DESTINATIONS.

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 the decoration is by Kato. This modest piece features an iron oxide depiction of a cormorant fishing bird over a stoneware base. 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 white wrapping cloth for when the bowl is not in use. It also comes with a Japanese language profile paper.

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 4th 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 5th 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.11.1cm (4.3”) x 14.8cm (5.8”) x 14.8cm (5.8”)
Chawan: H.7cm (2.7”) x Dia.12cm (4.7”)

Condition
It’s 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, EU, Switzerland, Norway: EMS Express (7-10 days)

**Asia:  EMS Express (5-7 days)

**Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico:  EMS Express 10-15 days.

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.