Koishiwara ware ceramics come from Fukuoka Prefecture in Japan. Their history goes back over 400 years, when the kilns first began producing folk ceramics for everyday use. Early pots consisted of thick, unglazed bowls and jars. From the middle of the 18th century, combing (“hakeme”) and other decorative slip techniques have been practiced. Brown and green glazes were adopted and used with great success, giving the wares a slightly heavy look. Their appearance was enlivened by the adoption of chatter-mark decoration in white slip early in the 20th century along with the addition of overglaze splashes.

CONDITION is excellent, with only a small firing flaw in the glaze on the lid.

The spectacle of deep-orange persimmon (“kaki”) heavy on the bough is one of Japan’s great visual delights. The dried fruits of the kaki are strung together on a thin bamboo stalk and offered to the domestic gods at the New Year. It is worth noting that one of the most popular Mashiko glazes used on standard kitchen wares was their “kaki” (persimmon red) glaze.

Mashiko has been a major folk pottery center since the 1850’s producing primarily utilitarian table wares. In the early 1900’s, Shoji Hamada established his kiln there and became internationally famous. The traditional pottery concept was to not pursue artistry apart from everyday life but to create practical beauty as a part of the crafted items to be used in daily living. Folk-craft products or “mingei,” of which this plate is representative, are objects used by common people. These commonplace, functional artifacts are endowed with a beauty directly connected with their utility – a beauty that is simple, humble and unassuming.

CONDITION is excellent. The quality of the glazing is superb.

DIMENSIONS: 11” (28 cm) diameter, 2” (5 cm) high.

Over the centuries, Okinawa has become quite well-known for its cultural heritage and art. One of Okinawa's most distinct and well-known art forms is pottery, and the center for the pottery movement for the past three hundred years has been Tsuboya. This flask is an example of “joyachi” tsuboya ware, which is glazed and often colorful. Throughout the 20th century, Tsuboya had to overcome many challenges, including World War II, but it still remains famous as the center of quality art form pottery on Okinawa.

Hamada Shoji is modern Japan’s most renowned potter. After studying painting and ceramics and traveling abroad, he settled in the town of Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture, where he lived and worked for over fifty years. As the foremost proponent of the folk art movement, he embodied its values and believed that pots should be functional, utilitarian and traditional. Mashiko potters did not pursue artistry apart from everyday life, but tried instead to create practical beauty as a part of the items crafted to be used in daily living. Folk-craft products or “mingei,” of which this pitcher is representative, are objects used by common people. These commonplace, functional artifacts are endowed with a beauty directly connected with their utility – a beauty that is simple, humble and unassuming.

CONDITION is excellent, with only a small firing glaze crack on the foot.