Choho Kiln Kutani Rabbit with Red Mallet of Luck
This Kutani Ware home decoration is in the design of a lucky mallet called a "Kozuchi" and a rabbit which is the zodiac sign for the year 2023.
A "Kozuchi" is a mythical lucky mallet that is said to produce anything wished for by the person who shakes it. It is one of the treasures that appear in Japanese old stories. The rabbit on the mallet 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 which can be felt through its rounded shape and adorable expression.
The Kozuchi is well-designed and beautifully decorated in a deep red and festive gold color with auspicious designs of pine trees, bamboo leaves and plum blossoms. The handle of the Kozuchi is tied with a fringed red Edo braided cord.
The Kozuchi is set on a wooden tray with a red felt cloth that gives the piece a special and auspicious appearance. This Kozuchi also comes with a wooden plate written with the name of the kiln and the Japanese character for Kutani. A wonderful 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. Mori-e is the technique where thick paint is squeezed out of an "icchin," a dispenser with a fine tip, and patterns are carefully painted onto a surface. 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. This is a great gift for people who love Japanese culture and art.
PRODUCT DETAIL
- Dimension: [Kozuchi]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.
