Choho Kiln Kutani Two Rabbits and Treasure Boat

This Kutani Ware home decoration is in the design of an auspicious treasure boat called "Takarabune" with two rabbits, the zodiac sign for the year 2023. 

A treasure boat is a mythical boat that carries the Seven Gods of Good Fortune along with gold, silver and other treasures during the first three days of the New Year. It is a very auspicious motif within the Japanese culture especially when welcoming the New Year. The rabbits on this treasure boat are called "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 most eye-catching design of this item is the intricately painted mast of the treasure boat. The character written in the middle is the Japanese word for treasure. On the treasure boat are two rabbits with one rabbit holding a bunch of rice plants which represents a good harvest. In the middle of the treasure boat, there is a lucky mallet, a "Kozuchi" that makes anything wished for appear like magic. The treasure boat is beautifully decorated with gold and floral patterns. Waves are depicted in a bright blue color.

The traditional technique used to paint the detailed patterns on the mast and boat is called "mori-e" which is similar to the technique of slip trailing. A thick paint is squeezed out of an "icchin," a dispenser with a fine tip, and the patterns are carefully painted onto the surface. Mori-e adds a decorative pattern and tactile texture to a smooth porcelain surface. 

The treasure boat is set on a wooden tray with a red felt cloth that gives the item a special and auspicious appearance. This treasure boat also comes with a wooden plate 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. 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: [Treasure boat] 12cm(4.7in) x 10cm(3.9in) x H12cm(4.7in)/[Wooden tray] W23.5cm(9.3in) x 16.cm(6.5in) x 1.5cm(0.6in) 
• Material: Porcelain, wood, felt
• Origin: Made in Japan - Kutani Ware
• Brand: Choho kiln