Choho Kiln Kutani Rabbit and Yellow Treasure Bag
This Kutani Ware home decoration is in the design of an auspicious treasure bag with a rabbit, the zodiac sign for the year 2023.
A treasure bag is a mythical bag that is said to be carried by one the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, Daikokuten. Inside the bag is an unlimited amount treasures and food. It is a very auspicious motif within the Japanese culture especially for welcoming the New Year. The rabbit on the treasure bag is called a "Mizunoto-u" which is the specific name for the zodiac rabbit sign for the year 2023. The rabbit for the year of 2023 represents calmness and gentle warmth.
The treasure bag is colored in a celebratory bright yellow and orange, and decorated with auspicious patterns of pine trees, bamboo leaves and plum blossoms. The traditional technique used to paint these patterns is called "mori-e" which is similar to the technique of slip trailing. A thick paint is squeezed out of a "icchin," a dispenser with a fine tip, and patterns are carefully painted onto the surface. Mori-e adds a decorative pattern and tactile texture to the surface of the treasure bag.
The treasure bag is set on a wooden tray with a red felt cloth that gives the item a special and auspicious appearance. With the treasure bag comes a wooden plate with the name of the kiln and the word Kutani written in Japanese calligraphy. It is a beautifully crafted home decor item to set in a room for good luck and to add a festive atmosphere.
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.
Chosaku Nishi, the first generation Choho and his younger brother studied and developed the "mori-e" technique of painting to be used to decorate figurines and larger decor items. This technique suited Kutani figurines very well, and henceforth mori-e became the mainstream technique to decorate Kutani Ware figurines and larger items.
Choho II learned various techniques from his father and established the foundation of Choho Kiln.
In recent years, their main products have been interior decorations and ornaments. Choho III 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. It is a great gift for people who love Japanese culture and art.
PRODUCT DETAIL
- Dimension: [Treasure bag] 12cm(4.7in) x 10cm(3.9in) x H12cm(4.7in)/[Wooden tray] W17.8cm(7.0in) x 11.8cm(4.6in) x 1.5cm(0.6in)
- 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.
