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