Choho Kiln Kutani Dragon and Treasure Boat
This exquisite Kutani ware home decoration showcases a majestic dragon perched atop a Takarabune or "Treasure Boat," symbolizing abundant fortune and prosperity. This piece embodies the powerful essence of the dragon, revered for bringing rich harvests, bountiful fishing, and warding off bad luck. The dragon's formidable presence is believed to enhance luck in wealth and family prosperity.
Kutani craftsmen meticulously hand-paint each detail, utilizing pearl-like paint. This, in harmony with the shimmering hues of mica gold (a type of non-metallic Western paint), gives the piece a radiant finish.
The dragon's body is adorned in gold, and in its hand, it holds a hoju "sacred gem," believed to have the power to grant thoughts and wishes. Beneath the dragon is the Takarabune, or Treasure Boat, a significant symbol of good fortune, further enhancing the auspicious nature of this piece.
Choho Kiln was established at the end of the Taisho era (1912-1926), and has continued to operate as a wholesaler and manufacturer of Kutani ware. In recent years, their main products have been interior decorations and ornaments. The third generation Choho continues to preserve traditional techniques and patterns while adopting the modern sense of new designs.
Kutani ware in the zodiac motif of the year have long been celebrated as lucky charms to welcome the New Year. This is a great gift for people who love Japanese culture and art.
PRODUCT DETAIL
- Dimension: L 11 cm (4.3 in) x W 11 cm (4.3 in) x H 12.5 cm (5.0 in)
- Material: Porcelain, wood, felt
- Origin: Made in Japan - Kutani Ware
- Brand: Choho kiln
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ABOUT CHOHO KILN
Choho Kiln is known for their skilled technique of "mori-e," a traditional technique of drawing patterns and designs with a thick paint onto a surface to give it a tactile texture and an added decorative touch. Choho Kiln developed the method of applying this method to Kutani ware figurines.
Nishi Chosaku, the founder of Choho Kiln studied the method of mori-e with his brother Taikichi back in the Taisho period. Up till that time, this method was used to decorate flat surfaces. The brothers developed the idea of applying this method to Kutani Ware figurines as Chosaku had studied the basics of form, design and color mixing as a teenager. As it turned, the mori-e technique suited Kutani figurines very well, and henceforth mori-e became a mainstream decorating technique.
Choho II learned various techniques from his predecessor, trained many apprentices, and solidified the foundation of Choho Kiln. Today, Choho is the third generation of the Choho family, and he is committed to preserving the tradition of mori-e while seeking out new possibilities for this technique.
About kutani ware
Kutani ware is a type of pottery produced in the Kaga region of Ishikawa Prefecture and it has a history of over 350 years.
It is characterized by the heavy brilliance of the five colors of green, yellow, red, purple, and navy blue that are applied to the bold and daring lines.
Its long history has evolved through the tireless efforts and enthusiasm of people who have sought innovation while maintaining tradition.
In the early 1700s, the Kutani kilns were closed, but about 80 years later they were opened and Kutani ware was revived.
The beauty of the various styles and methods of painting is known as "Japan Kutani" and is highly regarded around the world.
