Red Mizuhiki Lucky Cat

Kokuzou Kiln's lucky cat with a "Mizuhiki" motif and red collar. Kanazawa, the birthplace of Kutani ware, is known for its unique and rare traditional craft called "Kaga Mizuhiki".

The lucky cat with its left hand raised is said to be beneficial for inviting people in, or in other words, for business prosperity.

White lucky cat means "good luck blessing". The color is easy to fit into any interior and can be widely used.

"Mizuhiki" are decorative strings attached to gifts and envelopes. Depending on the way it is tied and its color, there are different meanings implied and different occasions when it should be used. In recent years, Mizuhiki has also gained recognition for its high design quality and is used as a Japanese-style decorative item for hair ornaments and other small items.

Kokuzou Kiln

"Pottery is part of our life"
Kokuzou Kiln has the unique texture and warmth of pottery, the charms of hand-painting, and the comfortable shape to use. It is one of the few kilns in the Kutani ware industry to have an integrated production system, where everything from forming the base material to painting and firing is done in-house.

Their kiln is at the foot of the Mt. Kokuzou in Ishikawa prefecture. The name "Kokuzou kiln" is also derived from the name of a bodhisattva who possesses vast and boundless wisdom and virtue like the Grate Void(universal view in the old ages of China). As the name implies, Kokuzou kiln aim to create gracious and beautiful pottery.

Kutani ware is a 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.

The beauty of the various styles and methods of painting is known as "Japan Kutani" and is highly regarded around the world.