{"title":"Water Droppers and Water Jugs","description":"\u003cp\u003eWater droppers (suiteki) for adding a few drops of water to whisky, and water jugs.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"10","title":"Johnnie Walker Water Jug #10","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eThis water jug was produced in the 1980s for the promotion of \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E3%82%B8%E3%83%A7%E3%83%8B%E3%83%BC%E3%82%A6%E3%82%A9%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AB%E3%83%BC%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eJohnnie Walker\u003c\/a\u003e whisky. Both the jug and the special box are in very good condition, and are in a state similar to that of a modern product. Why not use it when enjoying aged liquor from the good old days?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"151\" data-start=\"0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduced by:\u003c\/strong\u003e CALDBECK\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"151\" data-start=\"0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction period:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1980s\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"151\" data-start=\"0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"151\" data-start=\"0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dedicated box\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"151\" data-start=\"0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pottery (pottery)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"151\" data-start=\"0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Height approx. 15cm, width 13.5cm, depth 11cm (box standard)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"151\" data-start=\"0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Even if the products we offer are new and unused, they are all listed as second-hand products because they were produced very long ago. Please note that the products may have damage due to aging, so please understand and check before considering purchasing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. As this listing shows reference photos of the same product, details of the item you receive may differ slightly from the photos. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"CALDBECK","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46617334382779,"sku":"","price":10000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_0218.jpg?v=1746541728"},{"product_id":"163","title":"Iwata Hisatoshi (岩田久利): \"The Lapis Lazuli Drop\" , Mother Water Pitcher for Spirits#163","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eSince graduating from the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now Tokyo University of the Arts) in 1950, \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/maker-iwata-hisatoshi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eIwata Hisatoshi\u003c\/a\u003e (岩田久利, 1925–1994) has been a preeminent master of contemporary glass art, earning Japan's most prestigious honors, including the Minister of Education Award at the Nitten Exhibition and the Japan Art Academy Award. Iwata's works are held in the permanent collections of world-renowned institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, and The Corning Museum of Glass, earning international acclaim for elevating glass craftsmanship to the realm of fine art. This monumental lapis lazuli spouted vessel was created by Iwata with profound respect to commemorate the 1992 designation of Tokiwazu Mojibei as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (\u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/living-national-treasures\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eLiving National Treasure\u003c\/a\u003e). It is a rare masterpiece that crystallizes both Iwata's mature aesthetic and a story of deep friendship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eThe technical uniqueness of this piece lies in the exceptionally challenging cased glass (Kise-glass) technique, which requires fusing layers of different colored glass in a molten state. Molecularly bonding glass with different thermal expansion coefficients demands precise physical calculations to prevent cracking during the cooling process, as well as the ability to make split-second decisions at temperatures exceeding 1,200°C. In particular, the design—where the deep lapis lazuli body is seamlessly fused with a clear rim—serves as a testament to Iwata's advanced hot-working skills, capturing the moment when glass exhibits its most beautiful fluidity and imbuing it with a lifelike vitality impossible to replicate in industrial products.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eVisually, light passing through the thick glass refracts in complex patterns, revealing a deep sapphire-like blue that shifts in expression depending on the viewing angle. We propose this dignified piece as a Mother Water Pitcher, specifically designed to unlock the complex aromas of the finest whiskies. Its exquisite size fits perfectly in the hand, possessing the elegance required for the tranquil ritual of adding a few drops of pure water to an amber spirit. The light reflecting off the lapis-hued water and the single drop poured to awaken the whisky’s profound depths will be elevated to a supreme experience, made possible by Iwata’s world-renowned artistry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduced by:\u003c\/strong\u003e Iwata Glass Studio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Iwata Hisatoshi (岩田久利, 1925–1994)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNotable Achievements:\u003c\/strong\u003e [1976] Minister of Education Award at the Nitten Exhibition; [1982] Japan Art Academy Award\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublic Collections:\u003c\/strong\u003e The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art, The Japan Art Academy, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, The Corning Museum of Glass, New York, Museum Kunstpalast, Düsseldorf, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, and others.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate of Production:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 1992\u0026nbsp;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent (No chips or cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original box and artist's chronicle (shiori) included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-blown glass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Diameter approx. 10.9 cm, Height approx. 6.8 cm, Depth approx. 9 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNotice:\u003c\/strong\u003e While this item is in unused condition, it is a vintage piece produced many years ago and is therefore listed as second-hand. Please be aware that vintage items may show minor signs of age. We invite you to examine the provided images carefully before considering your purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47473110253755,"sku":null,"price":45000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_4559.jpg?v=1772272109"},{"product_id":"175","title":"Maki Yukichi (牧勇吉) Masterpiece: Blue and White Gold Dragonfly Flower Motif Mizuzashi - Palm-sized Water Dropper for Spirits #175","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel stronger enable-updated-hr-color\" id=\"model-response-message-contentr_e4a2f8a9c1c4a68e\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-busy=\"false\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eWe are pleased to introduce the Sometsuke Gold Dragonfly Flower Motif Mizuzashi by Maki Yukichi (牧勇吉, 1916–1998), a master who was the top disciple of \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E6%9D%BF%E8%B0%B7%E6%B3%A2%E5%B1%B1%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eItaya Hazan\u003c\/a\u003e, the emperor of modern ceramics, and who inherited the master's aesthetics most faithfully with Maki's own unique sensibility. Originally created as a suiteki (water dropper) for calligraphy, Antique Liquor redefines this palm-sized piece as the ultimate water dropper for dramatically opening up the aroma and flavor of high-proof whisky. Maki Yukichi was a master of the postwar Japanese ceramic world, winning the Special Selection at the Nitten Exhibition in both 1951 and 1953, and later receiving the Fourth Class Order of the Sacred Treasure. The elegance radiating from the artist's work stems not only from technical mastery but also from the spiritual depth inherited from Maki's master Hazan, of treating ceramics like jewels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eThe highlight of this work is the contrast between the Sometsuke blue, which harbors a deep tranquility, and the Gold Gilt (Kinzai) that shines vividly upon it. First, please observe the floral motif drawn with cobalt and the design of the dragonfly dancing lightly above it. Since ancient times, the dragonfly has been called Katsumushi (victory insect), a lucky motif beloved by samurai and literati for its posture of never retreating. Even in this tiny space, Maki Yukichi used meticulous brushstrokes for each wing of the dragonfly and the center of the flowers, where the Saidei (colored clay) texture inherited from Maki's master is alive. By controlling clay particles to the extreme and discerning subtle differences in firing temperatures, the artist perfectly achieved the contradictory color design of submerging the Sometsuke blue while making the gold gilt stand out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eAnalyzing this work from a technical standpoint, the difficulty of production is incomparable to that of ordinary tea utensils. After the main firing of the Sometsuke, a multi-stage firing process is essential to bake the gold at a lower temperature. For such a small water dropper, the thinness of the walls causes rapid heat transfer, frequently leading to breakage or distortion in the kiln. Furthermore, the sharpness of the spout and the fine-tuning of the water drop volume require high-level forming techniques backed by years of experience. Although Maki Yukichi possessed the academic technical strength to serve as a Nitten judge, the artist poured the same or even greater meticulous passion into these palm-sized tools as Maki did into Maki's larger works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eOur gallery proposes this work as a companion for whisky because of its exceptional tactile quality. The silky, moist porcelain texture pursued by Itaya Hazan is strongly reflected in Maki Yukichi's work. The smooth touch that seems to cling to the fingertips gently stimulates the owner's five senses during the quiet time of savoring the afterglow of aged spirits. When dropping one or two drops of water from this beautiful vessel into the amber liquid, the gold gilt on the vessel reflects the light, casting a glow as if blessing the microcosm within the glass. This elevates the simple act of adding water into a supreme ritual where traditional Japanese beauty and Scottish distilling techniques intersect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003ePlease confirm in the palm of your hand the life of the artist Maki Yukichi and the pure beauty inherited from Itaya Hazan. As a rare small piece by a master whose works are housed in overseas museums, and as a tool that scientifically and artistically enhances the flavor of whisky, it will surely become an irreplaceable once-in-a-lifetime treasure for collectors with a true aesthetic eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maki Yukichi (1916–1998) Representative Career History: Studied under Itaya Hazan, the first ceramic artist to receive the Order of Culture. [1951] Won Special Selection at the 7th Nitten Exhibition, [1953] Won Special Selection at the 9th Nitten Exhibition, [1987] Awarded the Fourth Class Order of the Sacred Treasure. Later served as a Nitten councilor, Nitten member, and chairman of the Ibaraki Prefectural Art Exhibition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMuseum Collections:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Museum of Modern Art, Ibaraki; Chikusei Municipal Museum of Art (formerly Shimodate Municipal Museum of Art); Itaya Hazan Memorial Museum, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction Era:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 1980s (Showa to Heisei period)\u0026nbsp;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good (no chips, no cracks)\u0026nbsp;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original box (tomobako), wrapping cloth, and descriptive leaflet included.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Porcelain (Saidei and Gold Gilt)\u0026nbsp;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Height approx. 7.5 cm, Width approx. 9.4 cm x 7.0 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Even if the products provided by our shop are new and unused, they were produced a long time ago and are listed as second-hand items. Please understand and confirm that the products may have damage due to aging before considering a purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47518425710779,"sku":null,"price":100000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_4732.jpg?v=1772964550"},{"product_id":"190","title":"Takemura Toyonori (武村豊徳), Ofuke Engraved Design, Mino Ware Suiteki \/ Whisky Dropper #190","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eTakemura Toyonori is a potter born in Nagasaki Prefecture in 1957 (Showa 32) who aspired to the path of ceramics from a young age. Takemura traveled from Nagasaki to the land of Bizen and began a career with exceptional precocity, completing training at the Bizen Pottery Center in 1974 at the young age of 17. Subsequently, the artist studied under Master \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/448\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eKato Shuntei\u003c\/a\u003e, a renowned potter of Seto and \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/mino-ware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eMino ware\u003c\/a\u003e, where Takemura deeply cultivated traditional glazing techniques. In 1979 (Showa 54), Takemura established the Hotoku Kiln in Wake District, Okayama Prefecture, and became independent. While training in the traditional world of \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/bizen-ware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eBizen ware\u003c\/a\u003e, characterized by unglazed, high-fired stoneware, Takemura did not remain confined within those limits. The artist has continued to set new challenges as an artist by creating expressions that fuse the glazing techniques inherited from Takemura's mentor with Takemura's own unique sensibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eThe Ofuke glaze (Ofuke-yu) used in this work is a transparent ash glaze technique originating from ceramics fired at the Ofuke-maru within Nagoya Castle during the Edo period. Takemura applied intricate carved patterns to the surface of the vessel and allowed the glaze to pool thickly in those areas, creating a beautiful gradation of deep bluish-green. The depth of the glaze pools, which gather in the sculptural irregularities, can be described as an art of controlling light that could only be achieved by an artist like Takemura, who knows the struggle between Bizen clay and fire intimately and has learned the essence of glazes under Master Kato Shuntei. This work is a masterpiece that demonstrates a unique realm, fusing the powerful sense of modeling cultivated in Bizen by an artist from Nagasaki with refined traditional beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eAt our shop, we redefine this suiteki (water dropper), originally created as a calligraphy tool to drop water one drop at a time, as a water dropper for perfectly opening the flavors of rare old liquors and single malt whiskies. Its usage is extremely elegant and rational. By covering the air hole at the top of the body with a fingertip and slightly loosening the pressing force, the flow of air into the interior can be adjusted on a millimeter scale, allowing for the free control of water addition with single-drop precision. The intuitive operational feel through the fingertip, which can never be experienced with digital instruments, leads to a deeper time of dialogue with the whisky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eThe author, Takemura Toyonori, is an artist who continues to pursue a personal aesthetic. Growing up in the natural environment of Nagasaki, honing skills in the harsh environment of Bizen from the teenage years, and studying glazes under a master craftsman, Takemura's journey is engraved in every piece as a definite will. The production period dates back to the artist's mature stage from the 1990s to the 2000s, when Takemura's techniques were most refined. The work comes with the original wooden box (tomobako) and a bookmark (shiori) containing the artist's personal biography. The condition of the work is excellent, making it a one-of-a-kind collection that connects traditional functional beauty with a modern lifestyle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Takemura Toyonori (武村豊徳, 1957–)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"34\"\u003eRepresentative Activities:\u003c\/b\u003e Born in Nagasaki Prefecture. Completed training at the Bizen Pottery Center at age 17, then studied under Master Kato Shuntei, a master of Seto and Mino ware. In 1979, established the Hotoku Kiln in Wake District, Okayama Prefecture, and became independent. Established a unique style fusing the modeling sense of Bizen ware with traditional glazing techniques. Designated as a Regular Member of the Japan Art Crafts Association in 1984. Received numerous awards and selections in exhibitions such as the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition and the Tokai Traditional Crafts Exhibition. Takemura has established a unique style combining the traditional Ofuke technique with intricate carved patterns and is highly regarded both in Japan and abroad as an artist who conveys the prestige of modern Mino ceramics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"869\"\u003ePublic Collections:\u003c\/b\u003e Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art, Bizen City Museum of Ceramics, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"960\"\u003eProduction Date:\u003c\/b\u003e 1990s–2000s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"989\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e Excellent (no chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"1032\"\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/b\u003e Tomobako (original wooden box with artist's signature and seal), Shiori (artist biography)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"1136\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Ceramics (Mino-ware style, Ofuke glaze, carved pattern)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"1202\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Width approx. 6.5 cm, Height approx. 5.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"1258\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Even if items are unused, they are listed as used due to their vintage nature from an old production period. Please understand and confirm potential age-related wear before considering a purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47538821333179,"sku":null,"price":31000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_5159_result.jpg?v=1774141782"},{"product_id":"191","title":"Prime Minister's Award-Winning Artist, Heian Sokyu (三代 平安宋丘, Kubo Yoshizo) Tenmoku Yo-hen Water Dropper \/ Whisky Dropper #191","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003eKubo Yoshizo (久保義蔵, 1913–1989), known as \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/maker-heian-sokyu-iii\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eHeian Sokyu\u003c\/a\u003e, is one of the most distinguished master craftsmen who connected the tradition of \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/kyo-kiyomizu-ware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eKyo ware\u003c\/a\u003e to modern times. Having inherited the family business in 1933 and continuing the authentic techniques of the first and second generations of Sokyu, Sokyu III reigned as a leading figure in Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki from the Showa to Heisei periods. The artist's achievements are highly acclaimed; Sokyu III received the Prime Minister's Award, the highest honor for Japanese artisans, at the 25th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition in 1978, and the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays, in 1984. Sokyu III's works are housed in major public museums in Japan, such as The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, and The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, officially establishing their artistic value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"24\"\u003eThis piece is a Tenmoku Yo-hen (Kiln Transformation) water dropper created by Kubo Yoshizo's masterful technique. Tenmoku Yo-hen is an advanced technique where the glaze transforms into unique crystals and colors due to the complex action of flames within the kiln, possessing a one-of-a-kind beauty resulting from the intersection of the artist's calculations and the natural serendipity of the flames. As the artist passed away in 1989, Sokyu III's works are now highly rare posthumous pieces by a deceased master that can no longer be newly produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"25\"\u003eThis tool, originally conceived as a calligraphy instrument for dripping water drop by drop, is redefined by our shop as a \"Water Dropper\" for enjoying Western spirits or rare aged spirits that have matured for decades. High-purity alcohol and aged spirits that have been bottled for decades experience a moment of \"blooming\" when a very small amount of water is added, changing the surface tension and dramatically opening up the complex layers of aroma and flavor that were trapped. To control this extremely delicate change, the shape of this water dropper, which can precisely control water drop by drop, is ideal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"26\"\u003eIts use is surprisingly intuitive and elegant. By lightly pressing a small air hole on the top of the main body with your fingertip and slightly adjusting the pressure, you can control the airflow into the interior in millimeter increments. This allows you to quietly guide the intended \"single drop\" into the amber liquid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"27\"\u003eThe supreme form created by the Prime Minister's Award-winning artist is not only a functional tool for bringing out the true charm of aged spirits but also a proposal for the luxury of enjoying traditional Japanese beauty in daily life. This rare Japanese craft, with limited information available globally, is a unique existence for collectors seeking the finest sake ware and spirit accessories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"28\"\u003e*Artist's comment: Works applied with black-based glazes are commonly called Tenmoku. Tenmoku is the oldest glazed pottery in the East, and its origin is said to have been discovered in the ancient kilns of Yuezhou in Deqing County during the Wu-Pu period (3rd-4th century) in China. Its colors range widely from black to brown, and the variations are infinite—including those with mottled crystal patterns, those partially discolored, and those transformed by layering glazes of other colors. Ancient Chinese Tenmoku calligraphy tools often featured not just a single black color but also partially discolored areas. Referring to various historical materials, I created this piece with a composition of Tenmoku black and other colors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"29\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"29\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eArtist:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/maker-heian-sokyu-iii\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eHeian Sokyu\u003c\/a\u003e (三代 平安宋丘, 1913–1989; Kubo Yoshizo)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"29\" data-index-in-node=\"46\"\u003eRepresentative Activities:\u003c\/b\u003e Artist's Major Career Highlights: Reigned as the foremost authority on Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics from the 1930s to the 1990s. [1933] Inherited the family business and began activities as Heian Soku III, [1935] spent 17 years as a researcher at the National Ceramic Research Institute, engaging in research on ceramic production techniques and providing technical guidance to pottery factories, [1953] spent 15 years at the Kyoto Institute of Technology, dedicating efforts to ceramic education, mentoring future technicians, and conducting research, [1970] dispatched to the Republic of China for 5 years as a technical assistance officer for developing countries by the Japanese government, providing technical guidance to the country's ceramic industry and training its technicians while simultaneously conducting research on Eastern ceramics, held prestigious positions such as Advisor to the Union Industrial Research Institute, Republic of China, and Lecturer at the Chinese Culture College University, and thereafter concentrated on ceramic creation in Rakunan, Kyoto, [1978] received the Prime Minister's Award, the highest honor for all craft artists, at the 25th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, [1984] awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, 5th Class.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublished Works:\u003c\/strong\u003e [Around 1935-1952: Era as a Researcher at the National Ceramic Research Institute] Overview of Domestic Ceramic Raw Materials, [Around 1935-1952: Era as a Researcher at the National Ceramic Research Institute] Selected Collection of Ceramic Clay Blending, [Around 1970-1975: Era of Dispatch to the Republic of China (Taiwan)] Technical and Economic Status of the Taiwanese Ceramic Industry, [Around 1970-1975: Era of Dispatch to the Republic of China (Taiwan)] Ceramic Industry of Taiwan, [Around 1970-1975: Era of Dispatch to the Republic of China (Taiwan)] Current Status and Trends of Architectural Ceramics in Southeast Asian Countries, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"29\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"29\" data-index-in-node=\"584\"\u003eMuseum Collections:\u003c\/b\u003e The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo; The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto; Kyoto Prefecture; and others.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"29\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"29\" data-index-in-node=\"718\"\u003eProduction Period:\u003c\/b\u003e 1984-1989 (Mature period after receiving the Prime Minister's Award). This \"Tenmoku Yo-hen\" piece features complex crystals and deep colors created by the accidental interplay of fire and glaze. It is a masterpiece from Sokyu III's \"Golden Age,\" representing the culmination of refined form and technique pursued by the artist until the final years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"29\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"29\" data-index-in-node=\"1079\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e Very good (No chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"29\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"29\" data-index-in-node=\"1122\"\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/b\u003e Original wooden box (Tomobako, signed and sealed by the artist), introductory leaflet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"29\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"29\" data-index-in-node=\"1221\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Pottery (Kyo-yaki \/ Tenmoku Yo-hen)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"29\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"29\" data-index-in-node=\"1267\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Width approx. 5.0 cm, Height approx. 7.0 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"29\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"29\" data-index-in-node=\"1323\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Please note that all products offered by our shop, even if in unused condition, are from vintage production periods and are listed as used. Items may show minor age-related wear; please confirm the condition before purchasing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47540057407675,"sku":null,"price":125000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_5186_result.jpg?v=1774159664"},{"product_id":"194","title":"Nagasaki Prefecture Designated Intangible Cultural Property, 13th Generation Yokoishi Gagyu (十三代 横石臥牛), Utsutsugawa-yaki, Pampas Grass Motif, Pure Water Carafe Set #194","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"15\"\u003eThirteenth Generation \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/maker-yokoishi-gagyu-xiii\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eYokoishi Gagyu\u003c\/a\u003e (十三代横石臥牛, 1925–2016; Birth name: Hiromi Yokoishi) was the holder of the Nagasaki Prefectural Designated Intangible Cultural Property for Utsutsugawa-yaki. Gagyu XIII was the restorer and grandmaster who revived Utsutsugawa-yaki—a legendary pottery that flourished for only about 50 years during the mid-Edo period before disappearing. Although Utsutsugawa-yaki was once praised as the \"Treasure of the West,\" its techniques were lost for approximately 200 years. The Yokoishi family conducted exhaustive research over several generations, and it was the 13th generation who elevated its artistry to its absolute pinnacle. For the artist's outstanding achievements, Gagyu XIII was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette. Gagyu XIII's works are housed in the Kyushu Ceramic Museum and the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum, and have been frequently selected as gifts for imperial and royal families both in Japan and abroad. The Susuki (Japanese pampas grass) motif featured in this work is one of the most beautiful designs for showcasing the \"Hakeme\" (brushwork) technique, which lies at the heart of Utsutsugawa-yaki. Utsutsugawa-yaki is characterized by firing iron-rich brown pottery clay as thinly as porcelain. By quickly sweeping white slip across this thin surface, the artist expresses the delicate texture of pampas grass ears swaying in the night breeze. The divine skill unique to Gagyu Kiln lies in its ability to adhere clays with different shrinkage rates to an extremely thin form without peeling, while breathing life into the motif with a single, instantaneous stroke.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003eThe Pure Water Carafe: Connecting Tranquility and Aroma Our shop redefines this traditional Tokkuri (sake bottle) and cup set as a \"Pure Water Carafe \u0026amp; Chaser Cup\" for enjoying rare single malt and vintage whiskies. The word \"Pure\" carries two meanings here. First, it refers to a vessel that holds the \"pure drop\" essential for dramatically releasing—or blooming—the complex layers of aroma in whisky. Second, it signifies the visual and tactile experience where the thin, refreshing texture unique to Utsutsugawa-yaki makes the water used to reset the palate feel even purer. Just as the pampas grass depicted on the vessel sways in the wind, the whisky in the glass also blossoms, its aroma vividly shimmering with the addition of a single drop of water. The contrast between the amber color of the whisky, the dark brown base of Utsutsugawa-yaki, and the white brushwork creates an ultimate harmony on a quiet bar counter at night. Once vanished into the annals of history and revived across time, this \"phantom pottery\" is a fitting legacy. For whisky that awakens after decades of slumber, the heritage of Utsutsugawa-yaki is a most worthy companion. This is a unique collection where traditional functional beauty and modern luxury intersect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eArtist:\u003c\/b\u003e Thirteenth Generation \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/maker-yokoishi-gagyu-xiii\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eYokoishi Gagyu\u003c\/a\u003e (十三代 横石臥牛, 1925–2016)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17\" data-index-in-node=\"57\"\u003eArtist's representative career:\u003c\/b\u003e 1975 Certified as a holder of Nagasaki Prefectural Designated Intangible Cultural Property, 1982 Awarded the Japan Ceramic Society Award, 1987 Awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon, 1995 Awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17\" data-index-in-node=\"336\"\u003eMuseum Collections:\u003c\/b\u003e Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum, and others.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17\" data-index-in-node=\"424\"\u003ePeriod of production:\u003c\/b\u003e 1990s–2000s (The peak mature period of the artist)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17\" data-index-in-node=\"497\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e Very good (No chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17\" data-index-in-node=\"540\"\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/b\u003e Original signed wooden box (Tomobako)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17\" data-index-in-node=\"591\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Ceramic (Utsutsugawa-yaki \/ Hakeme)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17\" data-index-in-node=\"637\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e [Carafe] Height approx. 10.5 cm, Diameter approx. 7 cm; [Cup] Height approx. 5.0 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 3.7 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17\" data-index-in-node=\"764\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Please note that all products provided by our store, even if in unused condition, are from vintage production periods and are listed as used. Items may show minor age-related wear; please confirm the condition before purchasing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47544810504379,"sku":null,"price":30000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_5278_result.jpg?v=1774142146"},{"product_id":"195","title":"Kitsuki-yaki, Tsukasa Kiln, Suzuki Kenji (鈴木健司), Seigaiha (Wave) Motif, Nerikomi Inlay Water Dropper \/ Whisky Dropper #195","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"18\"\u003eThis water dropper is the work of Suzuki Kenji, the potter who runs the Tsukasa Kiln (Kitsuki-yaki) in Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture. The leaflet that comes with it expresses the maker's wish to create vessels that bring a sense of ease when held and used, much as a children's song warms the heart, and describes an ongoing, patient effort, through trial and error, to make pottery glazed with ash from the mandarin oranges and bamboo of Kitsuki, a castle town rich in nature. The \"Nerikomi\" (marbled clay) and \"Inlay\" (Zogan) techniques featured in this work demand advanced skill. Nerikomi involves the meticulous layering of differently colored clays to create patterns within the cross-section; it is a high-risk process where the varying shrinkage rates of the clays often lead to cracking during firing, thus requiring exceptional skill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003eOur shop redefines this vessel, originally designed as a calligraphic \"Suiteki\" for dripping water drop by drop, as a \"Whisky Dropper\" for perfectly unlocking the aromas of rare aged spirits and single malts. When spirits matured for decades are diluted with an extremely small amount of water, the surface tension changes, causing a \"blooming\" effect that dramatically releases complex layers of trapped aroma and flavor. This vessel's specialized form is ideal for the millimeter-precision control required for such a delicate process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"20\"\u003eIts method of use is remarkably intuitive and elegant. By lightly covering the small air hole on the top with a fingertip and subtly adjusting the pressure, the user can control the internal airflow with total precision. This allows one to guide a single drop exactly as intended into the amber liquid. The box lid bears the brushed inscription \"Seikai Shiranami-mon Suiteki\" (water dropper with blue-sea and white-wave pattern) along with the \"Tsukasa Kiln\" signature and seal, and the \"Seigaiha\" (Blue Ocean Waves) pattern, shaped by the maker's devoted craft, represents a rare fusion of calculated technique and the raw character of the clay. This rare piece of Japanese craftsmanship is both a functional tool and a unique collector’s item that invites the luxury of traditional beauty into a modern lifestyle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"21\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eArtist:\u003c\/b\u003e Suzuki Kenji (鈴木健司), Tsukasa Kiln, Kitsuki-yaki (Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"21\" data-index-in-node=\"33\"\u003eAbout the Kiln:\u003c\/b\u003e Tsukasa Kiln is a Kitsuki-yaki pottery in Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture. Its enclosed leaflet describes an ongoing effort, through trial and error, to make pottery glazed with ash from the mandarin oranges and bamboo of the castle town of Kitsuki.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"21\" data-index-in-node=\"896\"\u003ePeriod of Creation:\u003c\/b\u003e 1998 or later (the enclosed leaflet is printed with the seven-digit postal code \"873-0006\"; Japan introduced seven-digit postal codes in February 1998. Estimated on the assumption that the leaflet accompanied the piece when it was made). The \"Nerikomi Inlay\" in this work is a technically demanding process involving the integration of multiple clays with different shrinkage rates, entailing a high risk of damage during firing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"21\" data-index-in-node=\"1297\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e Very good (No chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"21\" data-index-in-node=\"1340\"\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/b\u003e Original signed wooden box (Tomobako), wrapping cloth, introductory leaflet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"21\" data-index-in-node=\"1429\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Pottery (Kitsuki-yaki \/ Nerikomi Inlay)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"21\" data-index-in-node=\"1479\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Height approx. 4.5 cm, Width approx. 6.0 cm, Depth approx. 8.0 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"21\" data-index-in-node=\"1557\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Please note that all products provided by our store, even if in unused condition, are from vintage production periods and are listed as used. Items may show minor age-related wear; please confirm the condition before purchasing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47544827740347,"sku":null,"price":27000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_5303_result.jpg?v=1774142188"},{"product_id":"200","title":"Kibiyaki Ware by Contemporary Master Mizukawa Toei II (二代 水川陶影): Salt-Fired Water Dropper \/ Whisky Dropper #200","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eThis is a superb water dropper by Mizukawa Toei II (水川陶影, 1914–2001; Birth name: Mizukawa Katsuji), the legitimate successor of Kibiyaki ware, which has been handed down in the Tsushima region of Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. Born in 1914 as the second son of the founder of Kibiyaki ware, Mizukawa Toei I (Toyotaro), Toei II graduated from the Ceramics Department of Kyoto Higher School of Crafts (now Kyoto Institute of Technology) in 1937. The artist elevated Kibiyaki ware, which inherited the \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/bizen-ware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eBizen ware\u003c\/a\u003e tradition established by Toei II's father, to the realm of art with the modern sensibilities and solid techniques Toei II learned in Kyoto.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eConclusive evidence identifying the production period of this work is inscribed on the accompanying bookmark (potter's history). The career concludes with \"1981 Juror for the Japan Crafts Council Chugoku Exhibition,\" and the pottery history states \"45 years.\" This proves that this work is a masterpiece from the mature period, specifically from 1981 (Showa 56) to around 1985, when the second generation was at the peak of creative powers as an artist and had established authority. This is a work from the period when the path of pottery, which began after the artist's graduation in 1937, reached its culmination after 45 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eThe true essence of Kibiyaki ware lies in its main raw material, the local \"Tsushima clay,\" which is rich in iron, highly viscous, and extremely difficult to handle, combined with its unique \"salt firing (ensho-yaki)\" technique. This technique involves introducing salt into the kiln at the peak firing temperature, reaching 1250 to 1300 degrees Celsius, where the vaporized salt components react violently with the iron in the clay. Through this arduous process, which can be called a \"baptism of fire,\" unique \"curls\" and \"luster\" are created on the surface. This skill, where a pearly, moist shine, or vitrification, appears within deep black and profound reddish-brown colors, requires precise temperature control to achieve the ideal coloration and is considered the pinnacle of craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003eIn terms of design, the most prominent feature is the wild, sharp use of the spatula, as if directly reflecting the resistance of the clay. As seen in the attached product images, strong spatula marks are clearly visible, brilliantly expressing the sturdy and robust texture felt when held in the palm. Near the bottom of the water dropper, Touei's signature \"影\" (Kage) is engraved, indicating its authenticity. Mizukawa Toei II, who was awarded the \"Contemporary Master Craftsman\" by the nation in 1986 and the \"Order of the Rising Sun, Sixth Class, Single Ray\" in 1987, is highly regarded, and this piece is a small work from the artist's most technically accomplished period, just before receiving these honors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003eThis work comes with a dedicated wooden box, signed and sealed on the lid with \"Kibiyaki Water Dropper, Made by Mizukawa Toei.\" We propose this rare water dropper as a water dropper for enjoying aged sake or matured whisky in modern times. Incorporating traditional Japanese stationery, once used by literati for grinding ink, into the whisky lifestyle goes beyond mere tool usage; it connects to the joy of possessing the warmth and history of Japanese craftsmanship. This historical masterpiece is sure to enhance the moment when a single drop of water brings out the aroma, making it a more luxurious and profound experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eArtist:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/en\/pages\/makers#ceramic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eMizukawa Toei\u003c\/a\u003e II (二代 水川陶影, 1914–2001; Birth name: Mizukawa Katsuji)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12\" data-index-in-node=\"67\"\u003eArtist's notable activities:\u003c\/b\u003e [1914] Born in Okayama Prefecture. [1937] Graduated from the Ceramics Department of Kyoto Higher School of Crafts (now Kyoto Institute of Technology). Studied under the artist's father, Touei I, and contributed to the development of Kibiyaki ware. [1981] Served as a juror for the Japan Crafts Council Chugoku Exhibition, active as a leading figure in the regional ceramics world. [1986] Awarded the Contemporary Master Craftsman (Minister of Labor Award, Outstanding Skills Award). [1987] Awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Sixth Class, Single Ray. [1991] Awarded the Okayama Prefectural Culture Award. Full member of the Japan Crafts Council.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12\" data-index-in-node=\"734\"\u003eWorks housed:\u003c\/b\u003e Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art, Okayama City Museum of Art, Kasaoka City Chikkyo Art Museum, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12\" data-index-in-node=\"849\"\u003eProduction\u0026nbsp;\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12\" data-index-in-node=\"849\"\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/b\u003e Circa 1981 - 1985\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12\" data-index-in-node=\"886\"\u003eProduct Condition:\u003c\/b\u003e Very good (no chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12\" data-index-in-node=\"937\"\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/b\u003e Dedicated wooden box, bookmark included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12\" data-index-in-node=\"990\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Pottery (salt-fired, Tsushima clay)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12\" data-index-in-node=\"1036\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Height approx. 4cm, Width approx. 4.1cm, Depth approx. 4.5cm (palm-sized)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12\" data-index-in-node=\"1122\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e All products offered by our shop, even if new and unused, are extremely old productions and are listed as used items. Products may have damage due to age, so please understand and confirm before considering purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47567826649275,"sku":null,"price":23000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_5457_result.jpg?v=1774142637"},{"product_id":"207","title":"Direct Lineage of Tokuda Yasokichi I, Yoshida Katsuzan (吉田勝山), Kutani-ware Aote Yuri-kinsai Flower Pattern Water Dropper, Whisky Dropper #207","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"13\"\u003eYoshida Katsuzan (吉田勝山, 1916–1999; Birth name: Yoshida Takeo), a master of \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/kutani-ware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eKutani\u003c\/a\u003e-ware based in Yokaichi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, was a renowned craftsman who dedicated a lifetime to the promotion and development of Kanazawa Kutani. The artist received direct guidance from \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E5%BE%B3%E7%94%B0%E5%85%AB%E5%8D%81%E5%90%89%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eTokuda Yasokichi\u003c\/a\u003e I, the preeminent authority in Kutani-ware coloring, inheriting Tokuda's exceptionally precise glaze blending and color development techniques. Yoshida Katsuzan's distinguished career—including winning the Special Selection award at the Nitten Exhibition, the artist's status as an Invited (Exempt from Screening) Artist, and receiving the Kanazawa City Culture Award and the Ishikawa Prefecture Cultural Achievement Award—attests to Yoshida Katsuzan's prominent stature in the craft world. In particular, the artist's \"Yuri-kinsai\" (Underglaze Gold Foil) technique and Yoshida Katsuzan's modern sublimation of traditional \"Aote\" (Deep Green-Blue style) into transparent color expressions are highly acclaimed in museum collections worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14\"\u003eWhile originally created as a water dropper for calligraphy, this piece possesses rare practicality and artistry in the modern era as a water dropper for enhancing the aroma of aged spirits and whisky. The rich verdigris glaze covering the work is the hallmark of Yoshida Katsuzan’s Aote lineage, featuring deep colors achieved through secret glaze recipes inherited from Tokuda Yasokichi I. The glaze layer is remarkably thick, possessing a jewel-like luster and transparency. The gold foil embedded deep within reflects light with a subtle elegance, serving as a testament to the flawless execution of the highly difficult Yuri-kinsai technique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"15\"\u003eThe large floral motif at the center is a peony, a favorite design of the artist, which radiates an overwhelming presence through realistic line-work and raised overglaze enamels. The vivid crimson hues are further accentuated by the contrast with the deep green glaze, elevating traditional Kutani aesthetics to a modern elegance. The rounded, graceful form fits snugly in the palm, embodying functional beauty designed for precise, drop-by-drop dispensing. Since the artist's passing in 1999, no new works have been released from the Katsuzan Kiln. Pieces from Yoshida Katsuzan's mature later years that strongly reflect the color sensibility inherited directly from Yasokichi I are rare craft legacies, possessing historical value comparable to works held in the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art and the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eArtist:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/en\/pages\/makers#ceramic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eYoshida Katsuzan\u003c\/a\u003e (吉田勝山, 1916–1999)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16\" data-index-in-node=\"37\"\u003eArtist's Major Career Highlights:\u003c\/b\u003e [1948] Studied under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E5%8C%97%E6%9D%91%E7%BE%85%E5%B1%B1%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eKitamura Razan\u003c\/a\u003e, [1950s] Studied under Tokuda Yasokichi I and mastered glazing techniques, [1970] Received Special Selection award at Nitten Exhibition, [1980] Received Kanazawa City Culture Award, [1991] Received Ishikawa Prefecture Cultural Achievement Award\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16\" data-index-in-node=\"352\"\u003eWorks in Collections:\u003c\/b\u003e Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art, Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum, public institutions in Kanazawa City and Ishikawa Prefecture, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16\" data-index-in-node=\"510\"\u003eProduction Period:\u003c\/b\u003e 1980s-1990s (Estimated to be from the artist's mature period \/ late-career work)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16\" data-index-in-node=\"601\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e Very good (No chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16\" data-index-in-node=\"644\"\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/b\u003e Original wooden box (signed and sealed by Katsuzan Kiln), leaflet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16\" data-index-in-node=\"723\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Pottery (Kutani-ware)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16\" data-index-in-node=\"755\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Height approx. 5.0cm, Width approx. 7.5cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16\" data-index-in-node=\"809\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Although the products we offer may be unused, they are from a very old production period, and all are listed as used items. Please understand that items may have age-related damage and consider this before making a purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47695919743163,"sku":null,"price":23000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_5739_result.jpg?v=1776176055"},{"product_id":"208","title":"Imperial Household Agency Purveyor, 14th Generation Tsuji Hitachi (十四代 辻常陸): Blue and White Fukizumi Phoenix Motif Sculptural Water Dropper \/ Whisky Dropper #208","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eThis artistic water dropper is the work of 14th Generation Tsuji Hitachi (十四代辻常陸, 1909–2007; Birth name Tsuneshige Tsuji), the head of the prestigious Tsuji Hitachi family. This lineage inherited the unique official title of Hitachi-no-suke in the history of \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/arita-imari-ware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eArita ware\u003c\/a\u003e and was the first in the ceramic world to be appointed as a Purveyor to the Imperial Household Ministry (now the Imperial Household Agency) during the Meiji era. The 14th Generation head had an unusual background for a ceramic artist, having graduated from the Sculpture Department of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now Tokyo University of the Arts). Tsuji's masterful modeling skills brought a three-dimensional sculptural beauty to the artist's works that transcends the boundaries of mere vessels. The artist elevated the traditional techniques of Kinri Goyo (items for the Imperial Family), which had continued since the Edo period, into the modern era, and for Tsuji's achievements, Tsuji was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette (Fourth Class). Tsuji's works are permanently preserved in major museums worldwide, including the British Museum and the National Crafts Museum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eIn this work, the fukizumi (blown ink) technique, the most highly acclaimed technical feature of the 14th Generation Tsuji Hitachi, and the three-dimensional modeling unique to a sculptor are perfectly fused. Fukizumi is a secret technique unique to the Tsuji family, in which gosu (blue pigment) is sprayed in a fine mist to express the haze of the night sky and deep gradations. The delicate blue particles seen on the surface of this work represent the pinnacle of this technique. Furthermore, its form, which depicts an auspicious bird reminiscent of a phoenix, is composed of flowing curves without any waste, boasting a sculptural perfection that conveys a sense of vital dynamism despite the hard material of porcelain. This contrast between the pure white porcelain, from which impurities have been removed to the utmost limit, and the deep, clear gosu is the authentic aesthetic of Tsuji Hitachi, which has been cherished by the Imperial Family for over 300 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eAlthough this water dropper was originally created as a calligraphy tool, its dignified presence and functionality make it an unparalleled high-end whisky dropper (water dispenser) for allowing the aroma of aged spirits or whisky to bloom in the modern day. The precise drop falling from the phoenix's beak possesses a dignity befitting the moment when a magical change is brought to the amber liquid during whisky tasting. Since the passing of the 14th Generation head, original works in the market—especially water droppers with such outstanding modeling—have become extremely rare. It can be described as the ultimate tool for savoring aged spirits as a consumable cultural heritage that embodies the national dignity of Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eArtist:\u003c\/b\u003e 14th Generation \u003ca href=\"\/en\/pages\/makers#ceramic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eTsuji Hitachi\u003c\/a\u003e (十四代 辻常陸, 1909–2007; Birth name: Tsuneshige Tsuji)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"79\"\u003eArtist's Major Career Highlights:\u003c\/b\u003e [1933] Graduated from the Sculpture Department, Tokyo School of Fine Arts, [1981] Received the Saga Prefecture Cultural Merit Award, [1983] Awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette, [1988] Produced porcelain for Emperor Showa's 80th birthday (Kanshu)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"388\"\u003eWorks in Collections:\u003c\/b\u003e The British Museum (London), Embassy of Japan in the UK, Imperial Household Agency (numerous Imperial treasures), National Crafts Museum (Tokyo), Saga Prefectural Kyushu Ceramic Museum, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"601\"\u003eProduction Period:\u003c\/b\u003e Early 1990s (Estimated to be from the artist's mature period \/ late-career work)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"692\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e Very good (No chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"735\"\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/b\u003e Original wooden box (with signature and seal of Imperial Household Agency Purveyor, 14th Generation Tsuji Hitachi), \u003cspan\u003ewrapping cloth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"872\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Porcelain (Arita ware, pure white porcelain)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"927\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Height approx. 4.0cm, Width approx. 3.5cm, Total length approx. 9.0cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"1009\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e All products offered by our store, even if unused, are from a very old production period and are listed as used items. The product may have damage due to age, so please understand and confirm this before considering purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47695919775931,"sku":null,"price":110000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_5807_result.jpg?v=1776176312"},{"product_id":"209","title":"Fukuoka Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property Holder, Takakura Kunimitsu (高倉国光), 1986 Work, Koishiwara Ware, Secret Rokushō (Verdigris) Glaze, Tobi-Tetsu-Bori (Flying Iron Carving) Pattern, Suiteki Water Dropper, Whisky Dropper #209","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eThis is an extremely rare artistic water dropper by Kunimitsu Takakura (高倉国光, 1930–2021), a legendary potter based in Toho Village, Asakura-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture (Koishiwara), who connected the Koishiwara ware tradition to the present day. Born into the Takakura family, which has preserved the Koishiwara ware tradition for generations, the artist inherited the techniques of the community that have existed since the Edo period, yet elevated those techniques to the realm of fine art. The artist's outstanding achievements are supported by the highest recognition for a regional potter: the Contemporary Master Craftsman award in 1996, the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays in 2005, and certification as a holder of Fukuoka Prefecture's Intangible Cultural Property in 2014. Takakura's works are housed in the Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art and the Kyushu National Museum, making the artist an indispensable master in the history of Koishiwara ware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eThis piece transcends ordinary Koishiwara ware for daily use, possessing the dignity of a fine artwork. As proof of this, the inscription on the ceramic base is not the kiln name Takakura, but Kunimitsu—a signature the artist reserved for unique works imbued with Takakura's artistic pride, bearing Takakura's own name. Furthermore, from the description on the wooden box, it is clear that this piece was specially created on May 26, 1986, through a deep connection with Nara Kobaien, Japan's oldest and most prestigious ink manufacturer, founded in 1577. This vessel, custom-made as a water dropper to accompany the finest ink for Kobaien—a sacred place for calligraphy tools—is more than just a craft item; it is a historical record of a significant cultural exchange.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eThe design features the tobikanna (chattering) technique, a hallmark of Takakura's artistry, applied with perfect rhythm. This continuous pattern, carved with a mainspring steel spatula, exhibits the unerring precision of a master alongside the warmth generated by handwork, giving the entire vessel a pleasant sense of dynamism. The deep, transparent verdigris glaze covering the whole piece, applied thickly, emits a jewel-like luster. Although originally conceived as a tool for dispensing water drop by drop for calligraphy, our store redefines this item as a water dropper for enjoying Western spirits or rare aged spirits that have matured for decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eHigh-purity alcohol and aged spirits that have been bottled for decades undergo a moment of Blooming when a very small amount of water is added, changing the surface tension and dramatically revealing complex layers of trapped aroma and flavor. To control this extremely delicate change, the shape of this water dropper, which can precisely control water drop by drop, is ideal. Its use is surprisingly intuitive and elegant. By lightly pressing the small air hole on the top of the body with a fingertip, and then slightly lifting or closing that finger, the flow of air into the interior can be controlled with millimeter precision. This allows for a precisely intended single drop to be gently guided into the amber liquid. With Takakura's passing in 2021, new works with such a special background will never be created again, making this an extremely rare legacy, equivalent to owning a fragment of history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eArtist:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/en\/pages\/makers#ceramic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eTakakura Kunimitsu\u003c\/a\u003e (高倉国光, 1930–2021)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"39\"\u003eArtist's Major Career Highlights:\u003c\/b\u003e [1996] Awarded as a Contemporary Master Craftsman (Outstanding Skilled Worker) by the Minister of Labor, [2005] Received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays, [2014] Certified as a holder of Fukuoka Prefecture's Intangible Cultural Property\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"323\"\u003eWorks in Collections:\u003c\/b\u003e Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art, Kyushu National Museum (Exhibition record), Toho Village Koishiwara Traditional Industrial Hall, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"482\"\u003eProduction Date:\u003c\/b\u003e 1986 (Showa 61 \/ Specially produced for Nara Kobaien)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"553\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e Very good (No chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"596\"\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/b\u003e Original wooden box (with Kunimitsu Takakura's signature and seal, and Nara Kobaien inscription), Leaflet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"715\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Pottery (Koishiwara ware)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"751\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Height approx. 4.5cm, Maximum diameter approx. 4.5cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"816\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e All products offered by our store, even if unused, are from a very old production period and are listed as used items. The product may have age-related damage, so please understand and confirm this before purchasing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47695919808699,"sku":null,"price":38000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_5813_result.jpg?v=1778063108"},{"product_id":"210","title":"Banko Ware Traditional Craftsman, Mori Iroku IV (四代 森伊呂久): Purple Clay Diamond-Cut Geometric Multi-Faceted Water Dropper \/ Whisky Dropper #210","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eThis is an exquisitely delicate artistic water dropper created by the Mori Iroku family, masters who elevated the form of the kyusu (teapot) to the level of fine art in the history of \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/banko-ware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eBanko ware\u003c\/a\u003e, a traditional craft of Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture. For generations, the Mori Iroku family has been renowned as the foremost authorities in producing teapots using shidei (purple clay), the true essence of Banko ware. In particular, the \"diamond-cut\" (geometric faceting) technique, devised by Iroku II and passed down to Iroku III (三代森伊呂久, 1936–2014) and the current Iroku IV (四代森伊呂久, 1963–), is considered one of the pinnacle techniques in Banko ware history. Mori Iroku III was certified as a Traditional Craftsman in 1980, and Iroku IV received the same certification in 2000, forming a father-and-son lineage of Traditional Craftsmen whose extraordinary skills are highly acclaimed by the nation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eThe most distinctive feature of this piece is the diamond-cut applied to the entire surface. This is an incredibly precise technique where the surface of an extremely thin purple clay vessel, formed on a potter's wheel, is meticulously shaved by hand—one geometric facet at a time—using a special spatula at the exact moment before the clay completely dries. Banko ware teapots require their walls to be thrown as thin as possible to mellow the flavor of the tea. To apply such precise faceting without piercing through a \"paper-thin\" ceramic wall requires superhuman concentration and a tactile sense of the fingertips honed over decades of experience. Reflecting light from multiple angles, its appearance—radiant like crystal glass despite being ceramic—and its sharp edges truly deserve to be called the ultimate precision craft achieved by a master's fingertips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eOriginally conceived as a water dropper for calligraphy to dispense water one drop at a time, our gallery redefines this tool as a water dropper for enjoying Western spirits or rare aged sake that has matured for decades. High-purity alcohol and aged spirits that have been bottled for several decades undergo a moment of \"Blooming\" when a minute amount of water is added, changing the surface tension and dramatically revealing complex layers of trapped aroma and flavor. To control this extremely delicate change, the form of this water dropper, capable of precise drop-by-drop delivery, is ideal. Its usage is surprisingly intuitive and elegant. By lightly covering the small air hole on the top with a fingertip and subtly adjusting the pressure, you can control the airflow into the interior with millimeter precision, guiding the intended \"single drop\" into the amber liquid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eThe works of Mori Iroku, which are permanently preserved in the Yokkaichi City Museum, have recently gained fervent support as \"the god of teapots\" in high-end tea markets across Asia, particularly in China and Taiwan. As each piece is a unique creation, their rarity increases year by year. Diamond-cut water droppers like this one are especially rare, with even fewer production opportunities than Iroku IV's teapots. The iron content in Banko purple clay also has the practical benefit of mellowing water quality, making this the ultimate tool for savoring rare aged spirits that are considered global treasures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eArtist:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/en\/pages\/makers#ceramic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eMori Iroku\u003c\/a\u003e IV (四代 森伊呂久, 1963–)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"30\"\u003eArtist's Major Career Highlights:\u003c\/b\u003e [1986] Received the Mayor's Award at the Banko Ware Kyusu Exhibition, [1987] Selected for the Japan New Craft Exhibition, [2000] Certified as a Traditional Craftsman by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"277\"\u003eWorks in Collections:\u003c\/b\u003e Yokkaichi City Museum, Banko Ceramic Arts Promotion Association, etc. (Family lineage achievements)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"399\"\u003ePeriod of Production:\u003c\/b\u003e 2000s onward (Estimated to be from the artist's mature period after certification as a Traditional Craftsman)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"522\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e Excellent (No chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"565\"\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/b\u003e Original wooden box (signed and sealed by Iroku), \u003cspan\u003ewrapping cloth, \u003c\/span\u003eLeaflet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"636\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Ceramic (Banko ware purple clay)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"679\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Height approx. 5cm, Depth approx. 4.7cm, Width approx. 6cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"750\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e All products offered by our gallery, even if unused, are from older production periods and are listed as used items. Items may have age-related wear, so please understand and confirm this before purchasing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47695919841467,"sku":null,"price":38000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_5860_result.jpg?v=1776176677"},{"product_id":"250","title":"Pitcher \/ Water Jug with Grape Design in Iron Painting and Green Coloring by Takeda Toshio (武田敏男), Pupil of Living National Treasure Tamura Koichi, Artist Represented in the Collection of The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto #250","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWe are pleased to present a pitcher (water jug) by \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/maker-takeda-toshio\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eTakeda Toshio\u003c\/a\u003e (武田敏男, 1932–), a ceramic artist born in 1932 (Showa 7) in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture. After studying ceramics at Kanazawa College of Art, Takeda honed this craft in Kyoto and Kanazawa, and also studied under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E7%94%B0%E6%9D%91%E8%80%95%E4%B8%80%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eTamura Koichi\u003c\/a\u003e, who would later be designated a \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/living-national-treasures\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eLiving National Treasure\u003c\/a\u003e. Since 1964 the artist has continued to make ceramics at the kiln Takeda built in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture. Takeda’s work has been accepted many times into the Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition), the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition and the Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition. The artist’s entry to the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition was selected for a touring exhibition in Canada and the United States and then entered the collection of The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto. Takeda is a full member of the Japan Kogei Association and has also served on the selection and judging committee of the Japan Kogei Association New Works Exhibition. This piece has the robust, warm presence of a pottery vessel. We propose it as a water jug for pouring a chaser alongside koshu (aged sake) or water for adding to drinks, and also as a serving vessel that graces the table at any gathering over drinks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAccording to Takeda’s ceramic career record, Takeda graduated from Kanazawa College of Art in 1955 (Showa 30) and continued research in the college’s research course. In 1956 (Showa 31) Takeda moved to Kyoto, where the artist studied under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E7%B1%B3%E6%B2%A2%E8%98%87%E5%B3%AF%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eYonezawa Soho\u003c\/a\u003e, and Takeda’s work was accepted into the Nitten. In 1957 (Showa 32) the artist returned to Kanazawa and worked at Takeda’s alma mater as assistant to the \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/kutani-ware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eKutani ware\u003c\/a\u003e artist \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/304\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eKitade Tojiro\u003c\/a\u003e, then a professor at Kanazawa College of Art. In 1960 (Showa 35) Takeda sought out Tamura Koichi in Sano, Tochigi Prefecture, and became Tamura’s pupil. Through Tamura’s introduction the artist joined the Tsukamoto Pottery in Mashiko, where Takeda was devoted to ceramic research. In 1963 (Showa 38) Takeda entered the Nagoya Industrial Research Institute to master glaze and firing techniques, studying under Kato Etsuzo and Morita Shiro. The following year, 1964 (Showa 39), the artist built Takeda’s own kiln in Mashiko and became independent. In 1966 (Showa 41) Takeda formed the Shodokai with like-minded colleagues living in Mashiko. In 1969 (Showa 44) the artist’s work was accepted into the Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition. In 1971 (Showa 46) Takeda’s work was accepted into the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, organized by The Mainichi Newspapers. This entry was selected for a touring exhibition in Canada and the United States and was later purchased by The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto. In 1974 (Showa 49) the artist became a full member of the Japan Kogei Association, and between 1983 and 1986 Takeda served on the selection and judging committee of the Japan Kogei Association New Works Exhibition. From 1973 (Showa 48) to 1990 (Heisei 2) Takeda held solo exhibitions at Nihombashi Takashimaya in Tokyo, ten in all, and the artist also held a series of solo exhibitions at Yokohama Takashimaya. Furthermore, in 1990 the artist’s “Bowl with Grape Design in Iron and Copper Decoration” was accepted into the 37th Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe work that can be confirmed as a representative piece attesting to Takeda’s standing is this “Bowl with Grape Design in Iron and Copper Decoration.” Tetsu-dosai (iron and copper decoration) is a mode of expression that combines the colors developed by two metals, iron and copper, to adorn the surface of a vessel. Takeda’s teacher, Tamura Koichi, was recognized for, among other things, using copper coloring alongside iron painting (tetsu-e) to vary the palette. In 1986 Tamura was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure). Takeda’s tetsu-dosai belongs to this lineage. This piece takes the grape as its subject, with green coloring layered over an iron-painted design to compose the pictorial field. In both subject and composition, it displays a style in common with the artist’s representative work accepted into the Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIn the grape design that takes center stage in this work, the vines and fruit are drawn in free-flowing, powerful iron-painted brushwork. The green leaves layered over them create a vivid contrast against the white ground. Because the grapevine bears its fruit in abundant clusters, the grape has long been cherished as an auspicious motif symbolizing bountiful harvests and the flourishing of future generations. The lower body, the handle and the inner rim are glazed separately with an iron glaze that fires to tones ranging from deep chocolate brown to black. This clear contrast with the painted areas on the white ground lends the whole work a sense of visual stability. The handle and spout are joined to a wheel-thrown body, making the piece substantial yet comfortable to hold, and it is also practical to use as a pouring vessel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eUnlike mass-produced ware, this is a one-of-a-kind piece that has passed through the artist’s own hands. Very little information on Takeda Toshio’s work circulates outside Japan, and opportunities to encounter examples such as pitchers are especially limited. The piece comes with its tomobako (the original box inscribed by the artist) and a shiori, a leaflet recording the artist’s ceramic career.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/maker-takeda-toshio\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eTakeda Toshio\u003c\/a\u003e (武田 敏男, 1932–)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSelected Career Highlights:\u003c\/strong\u003e [1955] Graduated from Kanazawa College of Art, pursued research in the college’s research course; [1956] Studied under Yonezawa Soho in Kyoto, accepted into the Nitten; [1957] Worked at the artist’s alma mater as assistant to Kitade Tojiro; [1960] Studied under Tamura Koichi in Sano, Tochigi Prefecture, conducted ceramic research at the Tsukamoto Pottery in Mashiko; [1963] Researched glazes and firing at the Nagoya Industrial Research Institute; [1964] Built Takeda’s own kiln in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture, and became independent; [1966] Formed the Shodokai; [1969] Accepted into the Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition; [1971] Accepted into the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition, entry selected for the touring exhibition in Canada and the United States and added to the collection of The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto; [1973] First solo exhibition at Nihombashi Takashimaya (continuing through the tenth in 1990); [1974] Became a full member of the Japan Kogei Association; [1983] Served on the selection and judging committee of the Japan Kogei Association New Works Exhibition (also in 1984 and 1986); [1990] Accepted into the 37th Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition (Bowl with Grape Design in Iron and Copper Decoration)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublic Collections: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate: \u003c\/strong\u003e1990s (estimated; the career history in the leaflet runs to the 37th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition in 1990)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent (no chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded: \u003c\/strong\u003eTomobako (box inscribed by the artist), shiori (leaflet recording the artist’s ceramic career)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedium:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pottery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eHeight approx. 20 cm, width approx. 22 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note: \u003c\/strong\u003eAll items we offer, even those that are new and unused, were produced a very long time ago and are therefore listed as pre-owned. Items may have age-related damage; please understand and check this before considering a purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47823832580283,"sku":null,"price":65000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_6734_result.jpg?v=1779248775"},{"product_id":"264","title":"Award Recipient at the Shinbi Kogei-kai Exhibition and Selected Artist for the Suntory Museum of Art Grand Prize Exhibition, Kitagawa Hiroyuki (北川宏幸), Yakishime Stamped Pattern Three-Footed Water Dropper, High-End Water\/Whisky Dropper #264","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eThis piece is a yakishime water dropper featuring a stamped pattern and a three-footed design, crafted by \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/maker-kitagawa-hiroyuki\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eKitagawa Hiroyuki\u003c\/a\u003e (北川宏幸, 1955–2017), a master craftsman who underwent four years of rigorous training as a live-in inner disciple under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E6%9C%A8%E6%9D%91%E7%9B%9B%E5%BA%B7%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eKimura Moriyasu\u003c\/a\u003e, a world-renowned master of Tenmoku and iron glazes. Among traditional water droppers used to pour water into inkstones in Japanese calligraphy culture, this piece is extremely rare, featuring a unique three-footed design. We proudly propose it as a premium water dropper or whisky dropper to enhance contemporary luxury bar experiences. When savoring rare aged spirits that have transformed over time into a deep amber hue, exuding rich aromas and mellow richness, or enjoying a carefully selected whisky with ice, just a few drops of water added with this vessel will intensely unlock the true fragrance of the drink, making it an ultimate tool for connoisseurs. This vessel, which elevates traditional East Asian forms into practical art for modern lifestyles, offers a supremely luxurious experience for international collectors and discerning guests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eKitagawa Hiroyuki, the artist, was born in Kyoto Prefecture and inherited the artisanal spirit of Kitagawa's grandfather, a master bamboo craftsman. The artist was a talented ceramic artist of \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/kyo-kiyomizu-ware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eKyo-yaki\u003c\/a\u003e and Kiyomizu-yaki, fusing traditional techniques with a contemporary sensibility. While studying at Kyoto Zokei Geijutsu Gakuin (Kyoto Institute of Design), Kitagawa apprenticed under Kimura Moriyasu in 1977, learning a strict aesthetic, and continued to train under Kimura for four years. Concurrently, in 1978, the artist graduated from the molding department of Kyoto Prefectural Ceramics Vocational Training School, mastering highly precise potter's wheel forming techniques. After opening Kitagawa's own kiln, Tobo Yasaburo, in Tsuzuki-gun, Kyoto Prefecture in 1987, the artist rose to prominence, starting with Kitagawa's selection for the Asahi Modern Craft Exhibition and the Shinsho Kogei-kai Exhibition in 1988, and again for the Asahi Modern Craft Exhibition in 1991. Furthermore, in 1992, the artist achieved the remarkable feat of being selected for the highly prestigious Suntory Museum of Art Grand Prize Exhibition '92: Challenging Forms, and was also successively selected for the Sapporo Art Park Craft Exhibition, the Asahi Ceramics Exhibition, and the Kyoten. Afterward, Kitagawa continued to achieve brilliant results in major public exhibitions at the forefront of contemporary crafts, receiving the Encouragement Award at the Shinbi Kogei-kai Exhibition in 1995 and the Shimpō Kogyo Award at the same exhibition in 1997. Due to the artist's sudden passing at the young age of 62 in 2017, all existing works are Kitagawa's posthumous creations, making it absolutely impossible for new pieces to be produced in the future, thus possessing extremely high rarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eThe essence of Kitagawa's pottery lies in a highly skilled control of iron glazes and various slip glazes inherited from Kitagawa's mentor, and Kitagawa's meticulous yakishime technique, expressed with overwhelming precision as its foundation. Generally, yakishime is a simple technique where the clay itself is fired at high temperatures without any glaze. However, the greatest excellence of the artist's work lies in meticulously covering the surface with fine granular patterns by precisely timing the firing just before the clay dries and repeatedly making countless accurate indentations. In addition to this painstaking manual work, the natural ash glaze created by wood ash falling naturally during kiln firing combines to produce a serene and modern landscape as intended, involving an extremely difficult firing process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eA detailed examination of the aesthetic beauty of this piece reveals that these advanced techniques and the artist's dedication are fully realized within this small spherical form. The minuscule stamped patterns, meticulously etched across the entire surface without any deviation, create delicate shadows when light hits them and convey a uniquely pleasant, adhering texture when held. Furthermore, the three feet placed at the bottom, a special and notable design in this work, carry a very high risk of causing cracks at the joint with the main body or wobbling after firing due to differences in shrinkage rates during drying and high-temperature firing. The forming technique that allows these to stand perfectly horizontally without any distortion is nothing less than proof of the high-precision craftsmanship Kitagawa cultivated at vocational school. This three-footed style evokes an elegant dignity reminiscent of classical East Asian vessel aesthetics, and when placed on a bar counter, it slightly elevates the vessel, creating beautiful three-dimensional shadows and exuding a special presence. Additionally, the natural ash that fell during the intense flames of the climbing kiln perfectly integrates with the clay surface, partially creating subtle green and dark brown gradations from the natural glaze, thus capturing the dramatic moment where fire and earth become one within the vessel. The bottom of the vessel is engraved with the signature \"Hiro\" (宏), indicating that it is an authentic work, and it comes with a dedicated tomobako (wooden box signed and sealed by the artist), a wrapping cloth, and a booklet showing Kitagawa's detailed pottery chronology, all intact. It is a complete piece in very good condition without any chips or cracks, possessing an unwavering asset value as a supreme Japanese craft piece that is extremely difficult to obtain overseas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eArtist:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/maker-kitagawa-hiroyuki\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eKitagawa Hiroyuki\u003c\/a\u003e (北川宏幸, 1955–2017)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"38\"\u003eArtist's Representative Activities:\u003c\/b\u003e [1977] Graduated from Kyoto Zokei Geijutsu Gakuin, selected for the Kyoto Craft Exhibition, [1978] Graduated from Kyoto Prefectural Ceramics Vocational Training School, [1987] Opened the kiln \"Tobo Yasaburo\", [1988] Selected for the Asahi Modern Craft Exhibition and the Shinsho Kogei-kai Exhibition, [1991] Selected for the Asahi Modern Craft Exhibition, [1992] Selected for the Suntory Museum of Art Grand Prize Exhibition '92: Challenging Forms, selected for the Sapporo Art Park Craft Exhibition, the Asahi Ceramics Exhibition, and the Kyoten, [1995] Received the Encouragement Award at the Shinbi Kogei-kai Exhibition, [1996] Selected for the Nissin Men-bachi Grand Prize Exhibition, [1997] Received the Shimpō Kogyo Award at the Shinbi Kogei-kai Exhibition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"852\"\u003eWorks in Collection:\u003c\/b\u003e Kyoto Ceramic Center (special exhibition - selected ceramic artists), etc. \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"948\"\u003eProduction Year:\u003c\/b\u003e Circa 2010 (estimated)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"988\"\u003eProduct Condition:\u003c\/b\u003e Very Good (no chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"1039\"\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/b\u003e Dedicated tomobako (wooden box) included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"1093\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Pottery (Yakishime with natural ash glaze)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"1146\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Height approx. 7.5 cm, Width approx. 7.0 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: \u003c\/strong\u003eAlthough the products we offer may be new and unused, they are from a very old production period and are all listed as used items. Products may have damage due to age, so please consider purchasing after understanding and checking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47881782034619,"sku":null,"price":50000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_7323_result.jpg?v=1780464121"},{"product_id":"278","title":"Japan Ceramic Society Award Winner, Visiting Fellow at Harvard University, Kozuru Hajime (高鶴元), Black Glazed Platinum Painted Bellows-Structure Pitcher with Twisted Handle, Mizusashi Water Vessel #278","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eBorn as the eldest son of \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E9%AB%98%E9%B6%B4%E5%A4%8F%E5%B1%B1%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eKozuru Kazan\u003c\/a\u003e, a prestigious kiln master of Agano ware with approximately 400 years of history in Fukuoka Prefecture, \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/maker-kozuru-hajime\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eKozuru Hajime\u003c\/a\u003e (高鶴元, 1938–) is a master who was active at the pinnacle of Japanese traditional ceramic art, winning the Japan Art Crafts Association Chairman's Award at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition for two consecutive years and receiving the 22nd Japan Ceramic Society Award. This highly original pitcher (mizutsugi \/ water vessel) is a work by Kozuru Hajime. In 1980, recognized for research achievements in Old Agano ware and exceptional modeling prowess, Kozuru Hajime was invited to the United States as a Visiting Fellow at Harvard University, where Kozuru Hajime built a kiln in the suburbs of Boston. After moving to the U.S., Kozuru Hajime transcended the boundaries of traditional tea ceramics, developing international contemporary art that fused Western aesthetic forms, geometric shapes, and metallic glazes such as platinum and gold luster. The Roman alphabet mark \"HK\" incised into the bottom of the piece symbolizing the artist's style, the inscription \"Black Glazed Platinum Painted Pitcher\" on the original wooden box (Tomobako), along with the expression of the twisted handle and platinum luster, clearly tell that this is an authentic work created around 1985 to 1995 (mid-1980s to early 1990s), coinciding with the period of international exhibitions following Kozuru Hajime's move to Harvard University in 1980.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eThis work possesses a powerful and commanding presence with dimensions of approximately 18.5 cm in height, 20.0 cm in overall width including the handle, and 16.0 cm in body diameter. The body features the bellows structure (stepped horizontal ridges)—an architectural geometric modeling technique in which Kozuru Hajime excels—creating vivid sculptural light and shadow. The handle extending from the spout adopts a twisted (spiral) structure formed by tightly twisting two clay strands together, splendidly combining Western traditional pouring vessel designs with dynamic clay expression of Japanese ceramics. Over the matte black glaze covering the entire vessel, platinum painting (platinum luster) emitting a dull, heavy silver luster is applied, radiating an overwhelming presence through the chic, deep gradient created by the black and silver tones. Furthermore, the bottom features an octagonal carved base, clearly retaining the incised \"HK\" mark alongside shell-stacking marks (three spur marks) from high-temperature firing, bearing testimony to the artist's technical mastery and authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003ePossessing heavy form and metallic beauty reminiscent of antique silver, our shop proposes this pitcher (mizutsugi) tailored to modern lifestyles as a supreme Japanese Kogei sake vessel (water dispenser \/ decanter) for enjoying rich aged spirits, whisky, or shochu. The deep texture woven by the black glaze and platinum luster further enhances the beauty of amber-colored aged spirits and matured liquors, bringing the sophistication of dignified modern art to high-end bar counters and dining tables. With works collected in public museums such as the Peabody Museum at Harvard University and the Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art, this rare masterpiece by Kozuru Hajime represents a high-level realization where traditional craft and modern art intersect, serving as a luxurious craft piece that graces special spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026lt;Artist's Message\u0026gt; \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003eBorn out of ceramics, Not merely because of the circumstance of my birth, Just as a white flower blooms naturally from a white flower seed, And a red flower from a red flower seed, Before I realized it, I was sitting in the very heart of ceramic art. And now, I reflect. I want to create something true, To take the beautiful spirit and form created by our ancestors, Make it my own, and live in the present era... Wishing for nothing more than this, I sit amidst the clay again today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\" style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003eKozuru Hajime\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/maker-kozuru-hajime\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eKozuru Hajime\u003c\/a\u003e (高鶴元, 1938–)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRepresentative Career Highlights:\u003c\/strong\u003e [1968, 1969] Received the Japan Art Crafts Association Chairman's Award at the 15th and 16th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibitions (won 2 consecutive years), [1975] Received the 22nd Japan Ceramic Society Award, [1980] Traveled to the U.S. as a Visiting Fellow at Harvard University, [1997] Received the 9th Fukuoka Prefecture Cultural Award\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublic Collections: \u003c\/strong\u003eFukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art, Tagawa City Museum of Art, Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University, Forest Hills Park (Boston), etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction Period:\u003c\/strong\u003e c. 1985–1995 (Period as Visiting Fellow at Harvard University to international expansion period)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem Condition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very Good (No chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories: \u003c\/strong\u003eDedicated original wooden box (Tomobako) included (with artist's calligraphy and red seal), original leaflet included (\"Moto-gama\")\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ceramics (Black glaze, platinum painted)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eWidth (including handle) approx. 20.0 cm, Depth (body diameter) approx. 16.0 cm, Height approx. 18.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Even if the products provided by our shop are unused, they were produced a very long time ago and are all listed as pre-owned items. Please understand and confirm that the item may have age-related wear before considering your purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47974191890619,"sku":null,"price":75000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_3230_result.jpg?v=1790256615"},{"product_id":"327","title":"Holder of Tokoname City Intangible Cultural Property - Konishi Yohei (小西洋平): Shudei Neriage Genshin-sai Water Dropper \/ Whisky Dropper, Water Dropper #327","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eReigning at the pinnacle of modern \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/tokoname-ware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eTokoname ware\u003c\/a\u003e and certified as a Holder of Tokoname City Designated Intangible Cultural Property in 2013, the contemporary master \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/maker-konishi-yohei\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eKonishi Yohei\u003c\/a\u003e (小西洋平, 1941–) created this water dropper in Shudei Neriage Genshin-sai. Konishi won the Silver Prize at the Vallauris International Ceramics Biennale in France in 1982, and this artistry has established a global reputation, with works collected in prestigious institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in the UK and the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the USA. While this piece was originally created as a water dropper (Suiteki) used in Japanese calligraphy, our gallery proposes it as a special utensil for fine spirits (Whisky Dropper, Water Dropper) to add water drop by drop to aged whiskies and spirits, opening up their aromas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eThe absolute core of this work lies in the Neriage (marbled clay) technique, in which clays of different colors—starting with Tokoname's iconic Shudei (red clay) and Kokudei (black clay)—are layered multiple times to reveal unique geometric patterns resembling annual rings or geological strata across the cut faces. The flowing spiral and polygonal continuous patterns seen in the image are not painted on the surface; they are formed by the layered clay itself penetrating through the entire thickness of the vessel. Konishi's Neriage relies on supreme craftsmanship that perfectly controls the different shrinkage rates of various clays to prevent cracking, combining clays with millimeter-level precision. Furthermore, in this piece, delicate faceting (facet carving) is applied to the surface of the densely layered Neriage body, forming a polyhedral structure where the geological strata patterns of the Neriage emerge three-dimensionally depending on the angle of light. Inside the foot at the base, along with a vivid spiral Neriage pattern, Konishi's mark \"Yo\" is clearly carved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003eIn terms of form, the ultimate technique of hand-thrown pottery on a potter's wheel—which served as the reason for the artist's designation as an Intangible Cultural Property holder—is demonstrated without reserve. The spout and the top water inlet (Hibikiguchi) are thrown with extreme delicacy, showing the true essence of wheel-throwing technology that pulls the clay up to its absolute structural limit. The surface coloration, referred to as Genshin-sai, harbors deep shadows within the calm hues woven by Shudei and Kokudei. It possesses the inherent charm of Tokoname ware, gaining luster over time through contact with natural skin oils and moisture as it is used, growing alongside its owner. When adding water drop by drop to whisky, the amber liquid resonates with the vessel's polyhedral design reminiscent of geological strata, elevating daily enjoyment into a contemplative tasting experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eThe production period of this work is identified as the late 1980s to early 1990s. As evidence, the handwriting style and seal impression on the accompanying original signed wooden box (Tomobako) perfectly match the characteristics of the period when Konishi's Neriage technique and polyhedral forming reached their deepest maturity after winning the Silver Prize at the Vallauris International Ceramics Biennale in 1982. Additionally, the final entry on the enclosed artist biography leaflet reads \"Showa 54 (1979),\" indicating that this version of the biography, used throughout the 1980s, was included. This is a valuable piece showcasing Konishi's unique sculptural beauty established from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/maker-konishi-yohei\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eKonishi Yohei\u003c\/a\u003e (小西洋平, 1941–)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMajor Career Highlights:\u003c\/strong\u003e [1982] Won the Silver Prize at the Vallauris International Ceramics Biennale in France, [2013] Certified as a Holder of Tokoname City Designated Intangible Cultural Property. Regular Member of the Japan Art Crafts Association.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMuseum Collections:\u003c\/strong\u003e Victoria and Albert Museum (UK), Philadelphia Museum of Art (USA), Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum, INAX Live Museum, among others.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction Period:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late 1980s to early 1990s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem Condition: \u003c\/strong\u003eVery Good (No chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories: \u003c\/strong\u003eOriginal signed wooden box (Tomobako), artist biography leaflet (Shiori), wrapping cloth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials: \u003c\/strong\u003ePottery (Tokoname Ware, Neriage \/ Marbled Clay)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"13\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eHeight approx. 6.0 cm, Width approx. 5.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"14\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: \u003c\/strong\u003eEven if items offered by our store are unused, they were produced a very long time ago and are all listed as pre-owned items. Please inspect and understand that the item may show age-related changes before considering your purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48115731103931,"sku":null,"price":38000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_9775_result.jpg?v=1785048463"},{"product_id":"384","title":"Living National Treasure, Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property for \"White Porcelain\", Arita Inoue Manji Kiln, Inoue Manji (井上萬二), White Porcelain Water Dropper, Whisky Dropper #384","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/maker-inoue-manji\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eInoue Manji\u003c\/a\u003e (井上萬二, 1929–2025) was a ceramic artist from Arita Town, Saga Prefecture, who was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property for \"White Porcelain\" (\u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/living-national-treasures\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eLiving National Treasure\u003c\/a\u003e) in 1995. In \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/arita-imari-ware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eArita ware\u003c\/a\u003e, where ornate decoration with underglaze cobalt (sometsuke) and overglaze enamels (iro-e) is mainstream, Inoue dedicated a lifetime to pursuing the sculptural beauty of white porcelain formed on the potter's wheel, guided by Inoue's conviction that \"the true merit of ceramics lies in their form.\" After training at the Kakiemon Kiln, Inoue studied under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E5%A5%A5%E5%B7%9D%E5%BF%A0%E5%8F%B3%E8%A1%9B%E9%96%80%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eChuemon Okugawa\u003c\/a\u003e, renowned as a master of the potter's wheel, around 1952, learning the techniques of white porcelain and wheel throwing. From 1958, as a technical official at the Saga Prefectural Arita Ceramic Research Center, the artist conducted in-depth research on porcelain forming and glazes, and in 1971, Inoue established the Inoue Manji Kiln.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eIn 1979, Inoue was commended by the Minister of Labour as an Outstanding Skilled Artisan (Contemporary Master Craftsman). At the 34th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition in 1987, the artist won the Minister of Education Award for \"Seihakuji Carved Pattern Bowl,\" and in the same year, the award-winning work was purchased by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. In 1990, Inoue was designated a Saga Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property, and in 1995, the artist was designated a Holder of the National Important Intangible Cultural Property for \"White Porcelain.\" Inoue received the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1997, the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon in 2003, and became an Honorary Citizen of Arita Town in 2005. The artist's works are held in the collections of Tokyo National Museum, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (National Crafts Museum), Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art, The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Saga Prefecture, and Higashihiroshima City Museum of Art, among others. In addition, in 1969, by order of the Governor of Saga Prefecture, Inoue went to Pennsylvania State University in the United States as a visiting professor, and later taught pottery at New Mexico State University, dedicating great effort to fostering future generations both in Japan and overseas. The artist passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 96.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eThe greatest defining characteristic of Inoue's white porcelain lies in expressing beauty solely through the form pulled up on the potter's wheel, without applying any surface painting. The artist stated, \"Precisely because white porcelain lacks color, its form must be crafted beautifully,\" adopting \"Meito Muzatsu\" (a fine ceramic has no extraneous thoughts) as Inoue's guiding motto. In white porcelain, which cannot rely on decorative ornamentation, the slightest distortion or unevenness in thickness immediately reveals itself as a defect. For this reason, Inoue was renowned for an uncompromising, rigorous approach to making, refusing to tolerate even a millimeter of distortion. The artist's representative works include round white porcelain jars, white porcelain swirling-pattern jars, and crane-neck vases. In addition, Inoue created carved-pattern works where motifs were carved into the white porcelain surface and touched with green glaze, as well as bluish-white porcelain (seihakuji) works where glaze pooled in carved recesses to take on a soft blue hue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003eThis work is a plain white porcelain water dropper that uses no carving or colored glaze whatsoever. The plump, rounded body swells in an unbroken, continuous curve from shoulder to base. The slender, short mouth rises seamlessly from the top of the body without any steps. A cylindrical spout is attached to one side of the shoulder, creating a contrast within this small vessel between the volume of the body and the delicacy of the mouth and spout. The glaze is applied lustrously and evenly, and reflected light flows smoothly along the curved planes of the body. This clearly attests to its dignified forming with minimal surface distortion. The foot ring is trimmed low and neatly, and a mark written in gosu (underglaze cobalt blue) is inscribed inside the foot ring. The rounded, taut body shares the same sculpted form as the artist's representative round jars. The very essence of Inoue's white porcelain—establishing a piece through pure form alone while discarding decoration—is vividly expressed within this small vessel. The top of the tomobako lid is inscribed \"White Porcelain Water Dropper,\" and the underside of the lid bears the signature \"Inoue Manji Saku\" along with a red seal stamp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eThe accompanying shiori lists the artist's ceramic career up to Heisei 3 (1991), and Inoue's title remains at \"Designated Saga Prefecture Important Intangible Cultural Property.\" There is no mention of Inoue's 1995 Living National Treasure designation. From this, this work is considered to have been produced between 1991 and around 1995. It is a work from the period when Inoue's consummate wheel-throwing technique had reached full maturity, just prior to the artist's designation as a Holder of the National Important Intangible Cultural Property.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eA water dropper (suiteki) was originally a calligraphic tool used to drip water onto an inkstone. Our shop proposes it as a water dropper for adding minute drops of water to vintage whisky and spirits. It is widely known that adding a few drops of water to whisky transforms its aroma and flavor profile, and the structure of a water dropper, which allows water to be adjusted drop by drop, is exceptionally well suited for this purpose. To use it, water is poured through the opening at the top of the body, and the vessel is tilted while covering that opening with a fingertip. By gently lifting and pressing the finger to regulate airflow, the amount of water falling from the spout can be precisely controlled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eWith the artist's passing in 2025, no new works will ever be created. This is an exceptional piece that allows you to keep close at hand the sculpted beauty of white porcelain pursued across a lifetime by a Living National Treasure, savoring it in daily life as a vessel for perfecting each drop of vintage spirits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/maker-inoue-manji\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eInoue Manji\u003c\/a\u003e (井上 萬二, 1929–2025)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMajor Career Highlights: \u003c\/strong\u003e[1929] Born in Arita Town, Saga Prefecture; [1945] Began apprenticeship at Kakiemon Kiln; [c. 1952] Studied under Chuemon Okugawa to learn white porcelain and wheel techniques; [1958] Became a technical official at Saga Prefectural Arita Ceramic Research Center; [1968] Selected for the first time for the 15th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition; [1969] Taught ceramic art at Pennsylvania State University (visited the US 4 times by 1976); [1971] Established Inoue Manji Kiln; [1977] Received the Minister of International Trade and Industry Award at the National Traditional Craft Exhibition; [1979] Commended by the Minister of Labour as an Outstanding Skilled Artisan (Contemporary Master Craftsman); [1983] Began ceramic art instruction at New Mexico State University (visited the US 20 times thereafter); [1987] Received the Minister of Education Award at the 34th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition (Seihakuji Carved Pattern Bowl); [1995] Designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property for \"White Porcelain\" (Living National Treasure); [1997] Awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon; [2002] Received the Nishi-Nippon Cultural Award; [2003] Awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon; [2005] Became an Honorary Citizen of Arita Town; [2025] Passed away on July 14 (aged 96)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMuseum Collections: \u003c\/strong\u003eTokyo National Museum, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (National Crafts Museum), Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art, The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Saga Prefecture, Higashihiroshima City Museum of Art, and others\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod of Production:\u003c\/strong\u003e c. 1991 to c. 1995 (estimated)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem Condition:\u003c\/strong\u003e No noticeable chips or cracks. There are several minute spots on the glaze surface and foot ring (refer to images)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"8,5,0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dedicated tomobako (original wooden box: lid top inscribed \"White Porcelain Water Dropper,\" lid underside inscribed with \"Inoue Manji Saku\" signature and red seal stamp), shiori (leaflet)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"8,6,0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial: \u003c\/strong\u003ePorcelain (Arita ware, white porcelain)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"8,7,0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003eHeight approx. 8.0 cm, Width (including spout) approx. 8.0 cm, Body diameter approx. 6.8 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 1.0 cm, Foot ring diameter approx. 3.7 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"8,8,0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: \u003c\/strong\u003eAll items offered by our shop, even if new and unused, were produced a very long time ago, and all are therefore listed as pre-owned. Items may show age-related wear or damage. Please understand and confirm this before considering a purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48287449612475,"sku":null,"price":68000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_5106_result_f52e9bd2-b7de-4983-bb26-89b3cf45f098.jpg?v=1791977180"},{"product_id":"478","title":"Aomori Prefecture Art and Culture Award Recipient, Tsugaru Vidro, Hokuyo Glass, Okawa Kaoru (大川薫): Gourd-Shaped Frosted Crimson Glass Tokkuri (Sake Flask) with Gold and Silver Foil #478","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis piece is a gourd-shaped glass tokkuri (sake flask) by \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/maker-okawa-kaoru\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eOkawa Kaoru\u003c\/a\u003e (大川薫, 1940–2008), who worked at Hokuyo Glass, a glassworks in Aomori Prefecture, while also presenting the artist’s own works as an independent artist. The base bears a single-character signature incised in cursive script that appears to read “Kaoru” (薫). The body, made of deep crimson glass with a frosted matte finish, is clad in gold-tone foil on its upper portion and silver-tone foil on its lower portion. At approximately 13 cm in height and 8 cm in body diameter, it sits comfortably in the hand and can be used as a decanter for serving aged spirits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAccording to the artist’s reported biography, Okawa was born in Niigata Prefecture in 1940, studied craft design at Musashino Art University, and joined Hokuyo Glass in Aomori City in 1964. Hokuyo Glass began in 1949 as a maker of glass fishing floats. Building on the free-blowing (chūbuki) technique developed through float making, the company created \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/tsugaru-vidro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eTsugaru Vidro\u003c\/a\u003e in 1977, a line of handmade glass expressing the four seasons and natural landscapes of Aomori. Tsugaru Vidro was also the first product to be designated a traditional craft of Aomori Prefecture. From 1980 onward, Okawa presented work in solo exhibitions and glass exhibitions in various parts of Japan. According to the official records of Aomori Prefecture, the artist received the 11th Aomori Prefecture Art and Culture Award in the crafts category for fiscal year Showa 60 (1985). Okawa is further reported to have won the Grand Prize in Section 1 of the Tohoku Glass Art Exhibition, sponsored by Asahi Glass, in 1990, and the Asahi Glass Prize at the 1st Japan Glass Art Exhibition in 1991. In 2006 the artist served as an adviser to the company, and Okawa passed away in 2008.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eOkawa’s style is distinguished by the way the artist incorporated glassmaking techniques from abroad on a foundation of glassblowing. In particular, the artist’s tea ceremony utensils, in which Okawa adapted millefiori, the mosaic glass technique handed down on the Venetian island of Murano, in Okawa’s own distinctive way, are introduced as representative of Okawa’s work. Okawa also produced many works on the theme of the natural scenery of the Tsugaru region. This piece does not employ millefiori mosaic decoration. It is an example in which the surface is composed through the contrast of two kinds of foil, gold and silver, and it demonstrates the breadth of the artist’s decorative expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe vessel takes the form of a gourd, with a larger and a smaller swelling joined by a narrow waist. The upper swelling tapers toward the mouth, and the rim flares slightly outward. In this piece, a form long cherished in Japan as the shape of the tokkuri is rendered in glass. The entire surface has a matte finish with subdued luster, and the underlying glass changes in appearance with the light, ranging from a deep carmine to a bright crimson. From the upper swelling to the rim, finely fragmented gold-tone foil covers nearly the entire surface. Its lower edge breaks off irregularly, leaving a band of the crimson ground exposed at the waist. On the lower swelling, silver-tone foil fragments of various sizes encircle the surface, separated by a network of cracks, so that the crimson ground forms lines threading between the pieces of foil and creates a pattern across the whole. Among the silver-tone foil are also fragments with a golden tint, so the coloring shifts with the viewing angle. When lit from behind, the crimson glass glows brightly as light passes through it, while the foil emerges as dark silhouettes. A further highlight of this piece is the appearance of a seemingly inverted pattern, different from what is seen when light falls on it from the front. The base is finished with a shallow, flat recess, on which the signature is incised.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe piece bears no date. It is a work bearing the artist’s signature, made between 1980, when Okawa began presenting Okawa’s work in solo and glass exhibitions, and Okawa’s death in 2008. Documentation on Okawa is limited even within Japan, and the artist’s work has received almost no attention overseas. This gourd-shaped tokkuri, combining gold and silver foil on frosted crimson glass, is a piece of documentary value for understanding Okawa’s work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/maker-okawa-kaoru\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eOkawa Kaoru\u003c\/a\u003e (大川 薫, 1940–2008)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRepresentative career highlights:\u003c\/strong\u003e [1964] Joined Hokuyo Glass, [1980 onward] Exhibited in solo exhibitions and glass exhibitions in various parts of Japan, [1985] 11th Aomori Prefecture Art and Culture Award (Crafts, fiscal year Showa 60), [1990] Grand Prize, Section 1, Tohoku Glass Art Exhibition (sponsored by Asahi Glass), [1991] Asahi Glass Prize, 1st Japan Glass Art Exhibition (sponsored by Asahi Glass), [2006] Adviser to Hokuyo Glass\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMuseum collections:\u003c\/strong\u003e No museum holdings have been confirmed\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod of production: \u003c\/strong\u003eLate Showa to Heisei era (between 1980 and 2008)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003eShows slight signs of use\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories: \u003c\/strong\u003eNone\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial: \u003c\/strong\u003eGlass (metal foil decoration)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Height approx. 13.0 cm, maximum body diameter approx. 8.0 cm, mouth diameter approx. 3.5 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRemarks: \u003c\/strong\u003eSingle-character signature, appearing to read “Kaoru” (薫), incised on the base\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: \u003c\/strong\u003eAll items offered by our shop, even if new and unused, were produced long ago and are therefore listed as pre-owned. Items may show age-related wear or damage; please review and understand this before considering your purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67651885072571,"sku":null,"price":35000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_4917_result_e2504d4c-1622-47fe-8a19-4d525a273dda.jpg?v=1791899121"},{"product_id":"481","title":"Recipient of the Japan Art Academy Award, Member of the Japan Art Academy, Kanagawa Ware, Inoue Ryosai III (三代 井上良斎), Yohen Small Bottle, Water Dropper, Sake Bottle #481","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eInoue Ryosai III (三代井上良斎, 1888–1971; real name Inoue Ryotaro) was a ceramic artist who produced \"Kanagawa ware\" in Yokohama from the Taisho through the Showa era. Ryosai III served as a member of the Japan Art Academy and an advisor to the Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition). In the late Edo period, Ryosai I moved from Owari Seto to Edo and established a kiln in Asakusa, where Ryosai I produced \"Sumida ware,\" export ceramics renowned for high-relief decoration. Ryosai II was known for fine underglaze-painted works and won a Gold Medal at the 1900 Paris Exposition. Ryosai III was born in Asakusa, Tokyo, in 1888 as the eldest son of the second generation. In 1905, Ryosai III engaged in pottery making to succeed the family business as the third generation, studying under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E6%9D%BF%E8%B0%B7%E6%B3%A2%E5%B1%B1%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eHazan Itaya\u003c\/a\u003e, a pioneer of modern Japanese ceramic art, and refining this craft over many years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eIn 1914, the artist relocated to Yokohama for its convenient export access, establishing a kiln in Takashima-cho. After suffering damage in the Great Kanto Earthquake, Ryosai III built a new climbing kiln (noborigama) in Nagata (now Nagata-Higashi, Minami Ward, Yokohama City). In this Nagata workshop, the artist continued to create pottery for nearly half a century until Ryosai III's death. This climbing kiln and workshop site is the only climbing kiln remaining in Yokohama City, and in 2023, it was registered as a Yokohama City Historic Building.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eAs an artist, Ryosai III participated from its inception in the \"Totokai,\" an association of Kanto ceramic artists founded in 1927 by Hazan Itaya and others. In 1928, the artist was selected for the first time for the Teiten (Imperial Art Exhibition), and from the following year onward, Ryosai III held approximately 20 solo exhibitions at the Mitsukoshi Main Store. In 1943, Ryosai III became a \"Mukansa\" (exempt from screening) exhibitor at the Buntan (Ministry of Education Art Exhibition). After World War II, the artist was primarily active in the Nitten, receiving the 1st Yokohama Cultural Award in 1953 while serving five times as a Nitten judge. In 1959, Ryosai III was awarded the Japan Art Academy Award for \"Round-Pattern Flat Plate,\" and in 1966, the artist became a director of the Nitten and a member of the Japan Art Academy. In 1967, the artist received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class. Ryosai III's works are held in collections including the Yokohama Museum of Art and the Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003eRegarding the artist's style, the Yearbook of Japanese Art by the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties notes that Ryosai III displayed unique coloration in jars and plates of celadon, white porcelain, and green glaze, and was cherished by enthusiasts for a dignified, noble style that directly mirrored Ryosai III's gentle and warm personality. Research by curators at the Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History also highlights several key characteristics: Ryosai III's ornamentation was understated through glazes or carving, the artist favored simplified motifs, and Ryosai III's sculpting primarily sought to bring out the inherent quality of the glaze tone and the form itself. Over half of the works examined by the museum were unpatterned pieces decorated solely by glaze or simple lines. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that the artist mastered a wide variety of glazes, including green glaze, celadon, white porcelain, cinnabar (copper red) glaze, crystalline glaze, and Ryosai III's own original glaze formulations. While continually studying ancient ceramics, Ryosai III was a master potter representing Yokohama who dedicated a lifetime to experimenting with forms and glazes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eThis piece is a small bottle with the inscription \"Yohen Small Bottle\" on the top of the tomobako lid. It features no surface patterning or painting; all of the vessel's expression arises from the kiln transmutation (yohen) of the glaze during firing. Dense, fine brown speckles appear across the blackish-brown to dark brown glaze, displaying a granular, tactile texture. From the shoulder to the neck, the glaze pools thickly with a strong luster, casting a metallic sheen depending on the angle of light. Gentle vertical indentations run down the body, where the pooled glaze forms dark bands to create a landscape (keshiki). The lower part of the body is left unglazed to reveal the reddish-brown clay body, where the coarse clay texture containing white feldspar grains forms a vivid contrast with the blackish-brown glaze above. Its coloration calls to mind the fruit of autumn Japanese chestnuts. Fashioned in an upright, dignified small bottle form with taut shoulders, the rim of the short neck flares slightly outward, and wheel marks remain on the body. A seal stamp is impressed on the base. Relying on no extraneous decoration, showcasing the interplay between glaze transmutation, clay contrast, and form itself, this work clearly exemplifies the core of the artist's style as identified in curatorial research.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eThe accompanying shiori lists \"Nitten Judge\" among Ryosai III's titles and records the artist's career up to Ryosai III's service as a Nitten judge in Showa 31 (1956). It does not mention the artist's appointment as a Nitten councilor in 1958, the Japan Art Academy Award in 1959, or Ryosai III's membership in the Japan Art Academy in 1966. Furthermore, the seal of \"Member of the Japan Art Academy\" often seen on tomobako from Ryosai III's later years is absent from this box. Based on these details, this work is considered to have been produced between around 1956 and 1958. It is a piece from the period when the artist was active as a Nitten judge, just prior to receiving the Japan Art Academy Award.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eMeasuring approximately 7 cm in diameter and 11 cm in height, this piece is a size that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. Our shop proposes it as a water dropper for pouring chaser water alongside vintage whisky, or as a small liquor bottle for holding a modest pour of spirits. It is an exquisite item that allows you to enjoy close at hand, as a tool accompanying your daily dram, a creation by an artist who left a lasting name in the history of modern Japanese ceramics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/en\/pages\/makers#ceramic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eInoue Ryosai\u003c\/a\u003e III (井上 良斎, 1888–1971), Real name: Inoue Ryotaro（井上 良太郎）\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMajor Career Highlights: \u003c\/strong\u003e[1888] Born in Asakusa, Tokyo, as the eldest son of Inoue Ryosai II; [1905] Engaged in pottery making to succeed the family business as the third generation, studying under Hazan Itaya; [1914] Relocated kiln to Takashima-cho, Yokohama; [From 1923 onward] After suffering damage in the Great Kanto Earthquake, built a climbing kiln in Nagata (now Nagata-Higashi, Minami Ward, Yokohama City); [1927] Participated in founding Totokai; [1928] First selected for 9th Teiten; [1929] Held solo exhibition at Mitsukoshi Main Store (approx. 20 times thereafter); [1943] Mukansa (exempt from screening) at Buntan; [1951] Entrusted artist at Nitten; [1953] Received 1st Yokohama Cultural Award; served as Nitten judge (5 times total); [1958] Councilor of Nitten; [1959] Received Japan Art Academy Award (Round-Pattern Flat Plate); [1966] Director of Nitten, Member of Japan Art Academy; [1967] Received Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class; Vice President of Japan Contemporary Craft Artists Association; [1968] President of Kanagawa Prefectural Craft Association; [1971] Passed away on February 6 (aged 82); [2023] Nagata climbing kiln and workshop site registered as a Yokohama City Historic Building\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMuseum Collections:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yokohama Museum of Art, Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History, Kanagawa Prefectural Government, and others\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod of Production:\u003c\/strong\u003e c. 1956 to c. 1958 (estimated)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem Condition:\u003c\/strong\u003e No noticeable chips or cracks. Fine crack-like lines inherent to the clay surface are visible on the unglazed portion of the base (refer to images)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"8,5,0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories: \u003c\/strong\u003eDedicated tomobako (lid top inscribed \"Yohen Small Bottle\", signature and red seal stamp), shiori (with career history) included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"8,6,0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial: \u003c\/strong\u003ePottery \/ Stoneware (Kanagawa ware)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"8,7,0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Diameter approx. 7.0 cm, Height approx. 11.0 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"8,8,0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: \u003c\/strong\u003eAll items offered by our shop, even if new and unused, were produced a very long time ago, and all are therefore listed as pre-owned. Items may show age-related wear or damage. Please understand and confirm this before considering a purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67651886481595,"sku":null,"price":26000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_5024_result_f41f1d47-a226-4f73-b0d8-4ca9d3c21511.jpg?v=1791975411"},{"product_id":"482","title":"Bizen-yaki Toyukai Member Kiln, Gorobei Kiln (五郎辺衛窯), Made by Asai: Bizen Ware Sangiri Soy Sauce Dispenser with Saucer, Water Dropper #482","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eGorobei Kiln is a \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/bizen-ware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eBizen ware\u003c\/a\u003e kiln based in Kagato, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. It was founded in 1867 as Buyo Gorobei Shoten, a brewery, and established a Bizen ware division in 1979. A member kiln of the Okayama Prefecture Bizen Ware Toyukai Cooperative, it is dedicated to making vessels that combine practical functionality with dignity and depth of character, and it seeks to create works that convey a sense of comfort and nostalgia to those who hold them. This piece was made by Asai, a potter at the kiln. The kiln’s representative has confirmed, from the signature on the body, that it is Asai’s work. According to the kiln, it was made in or after 2000.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eBizen ware is pottery produced around Imbe in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. Because it is fired unglazed at high temperatures, the kiln effects created by clay and flame become the very character of each vessel. The body of this piece displays sangiri, an effect produced by reduction firing within the kiln: yellowish-brown speckles rise across a ground that shifts from gray to purplish brown. The body is egg-shaped, and its sides bear indentations of various sizes, as if pressed in with the fingers, so that the fingers rest naturally in them when the piece is held. The top of the lid also has a hollow for the fingertip and a small air hole. The spout is short and curves downward. The kiln describes vessels of this design as crafted to prevent dripping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe accompanying saucer is a small yakishime (unglazed, high-fired) dish whose well displays hidasuki, the reddish-brown linear markings that appear where rice straw was wrapped around the piece during firing. Within the foot ring are an incised mark and an impressed seal. Because its firing effects and marks differ from those of the body, the saucer may be the work of another kiln. Please understand that it was paired with the body separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAlthough originally made for pouring soy sauce at the table, we also propose it as a water dropper for adding just a few drops of water to old-bottle whisky. Fill the body with water, then cover and release the air hole in the lid with a fingertip to control how much water falls from the spout. Enjoy whiskies whose aroma and flavor change with a small addition of water, together with a Bizen ware vessel that fits in the palm of your hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist: \u003c\/strong\u003eAsai, potter of \u003ca href=\"\/en\/pages\/makers#kiln\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eGorobei Kiln\u003c\/a\u003e (五郎辺衛窯, 浅井 \/ signature on the body)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSelected Career Highlights:\u003c\/strong\u003e [1867] Buyo Gorobei Shoten, a brewery and the predecessor of Gorobei Kiln, was founded; [1979] The company established a Bizen ware division\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate: \u003c\/strong\u003e2000 or later\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent (no chips, cracks, hairlines, or other defects)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded:\u003c\/strong\u003e Saucer\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedium:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stoneware (Bizen ware, yakishime)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Body: width approx. 9.5 cm (including spout), depth approx. 7.5 cm, height approx. 8.5 cm (including lid), capacity approx. 150 ml \/ Saucer: diameter approx. 9.5 cm, height approx. 2.0 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note: \u003c\/strong\u003eEven when unused, all items we offer were produced long ago and are therefore listed as pre-owned. Items may show damage from age. Please review the details and condition carefully before purchasing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67651887235259,"sku":null,"price":10000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_5133_result_237b089f-b890-42e9-a680-dd6c127e13ab.jpg?v=1791976756"},{"product_id":"506","title":"Mashiko Ware – Studied under Hamada Shoji – Sakuma Totaro (佐久間藤太郎): Tokkuri Sake Flask and Pair of Meoto Yunomi Teacups with Floral Design in Gosu Cobalt Blue – Japanese Decanter and Japanese Rocks Glasses #506","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis is a set of one tokkuri sake flask and a pair of meoto yunomi (matching teacups for a couple) by \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/maker-sakuma-totaro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eSakuma Totaro\u003c\/a\u003e (佐久間藤太郎, 1900–1976), a ceramic artist of \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/mashiko-ware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eMashiko ware\u003c\/a\u003e. Sakuma Totaro was born in 1900 (Meiji 33) into a family that ran a Mashiko ware kiln in Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture, and in 1918 (Taisho 7) the artist graduated from the Mashiko Town Ceramics Training Institute. From 1924 (Taisho 13), when \u003ca href=\"\/en\/search?q=%22%E6%BF%B1%E7%94%B0%E5%BA%84%E5%8F%B8%22\u0026amp;type=product\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eHamada Shoji\u003c\/a\u003e moved to Mashiko, Sakuma studied under Hamada. As one of the leading artists of Mashiko ware, second only to Hamada, the artist contributed to the flourishing of Mashiko ware as mingei (folk craft) pottery. The Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art describes Sakuma, who was born into a kiln-owning family, as the first person in Mashiko who, after meeting Hamada, set out to become a ceramic artist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIn 1927 (Showa 2), Sakuma’s work was selected for the craft section of the Kokugakai exhibition, and in 1949 (Showa 24) the artist became a member of the Kokugakai. The artist held solo exhibitions frequently throughout Japan, beginning with Takashimaya in Tokyo, and in 1956 (Showa 31) Sakuma held an exhibition commemorating thirty years of Sakuma’s ceramic work at Tochigi Kaikan. A three-person exhibition with Hamada Shoji and \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/maker-shimaoka-tatsuzo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eShimaoka Tatsuzo\u003c\/a\u003e (Daimaru, Kyoto) and a two-person exhibition with Hamada Shoji in 1966 (Showa 41) (Toki, Gifu Prefecture) were also held. In 1953 (Showa 28) Sakuma became a director of the Tochigi Prefecture Mingei Association, and the artist received the Tochigi Prefecture Cultural Merit Award in 1959 (Showa 34) and the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fifth Class in 1973 (Showa 48).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIn 1934 (Showa 9), writing in Kogei (Crafts), the journal of the mingei movement, Hamada Shoji noted that among the young makers of Mashiko, Sakuma was the one of longest standing. The artist went on to observe that Sakuma’s “way of working that brings Mashiko clay to life,” guided by Sakuma’s own eye and hand, possessed an honesty true to the character of the land. When Bernard Leach visited Japan in 1954, ceramics were made at the \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/434\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eSakuma Totaro Kiln\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSakuma’s works are held in the collections of the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art (Vase with Plum Design in Tessha Glaze) and the Otaru City Museum of Art. The works in the Otaru City Museum of Art include pieces in a wide range of techniques: inlay (zogan), three-color glaze (sansai), dotted patterns in tessha iron glaze, persimmon (kaki) and black glazes applied in divided sections with resist decoration (nukie), and white glaze with poured amber (ame) and blue glazes. The Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art explains that Sakuma possessed assured skill on the potter’s wheel and excelled at painted decoration. On the vase in the museum’s collection, the trunk is painted in iron oxide (tetsu-e), and the blossoms are painted in persimmon glaze and gosu cobalt blue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIn this work, slender leaves are painted in gosu cobalt blue over a grayish-white glaze. Each leaf is drawn in a single stroke, thick at the base and tapering to a sharp point. Between the leaves, a stem-like motif whose tip curves and curls inward is painted in thick brown glaze. On the yunomi, the brown motif crosses two parallel lines incised around the upper body, and the glaze breaks off and separates at the grooves. The tone of the brown differs from piece to piece: on the larger yunomi it ranges from reddish brown to pale purplish brown, on the smaller yunomi it is a deep brown close to black, and on the tokkuri it has fired to a subdued, low-gloss brown. On the tokkuri, the brown motif is applied so thickly that its outline stands in relief.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eBoth yunomi share the same form: the rim flares slightly outward, and the body narrows at the waist before joining a stepped foot ring. Spiral trimming marks remain inside the foot ring, and the unglazed footrim reveals a coarse, reddish clay body. The glaze surface shows fine crackle (kannyu) throughout, scattered with black specks from the iron in the clay. The tokkuri has a refined form, with a distinct step at the shoulder and a short neck opening into a rim that flares and rolls outward. Throwing marks remain on the inside of the neck. At the middle of the body, the glaze surface divides into a glossy upper section and a lower section with a finely pitted, pear-skin texture. The outer edge of the base is unglazed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eOur shop proposes the tokkuri as a Japanese decanter for pouring vintage spirits, and the meoto yunomi as Japanese rocks glasses for enjoying vintage spirits and aged liquors on the rocks. The two yunomi differ slightly in size, and together with the tokkuri bearing the same design, they can be used as a matching set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe pair of yunomi comes with a tomobako (the artist’s own wooden box) bearing an ink inscription and a red seal. The tokkuri comes with no accessories. There is a small spot on the rim of the tokkuri where the color of the clay body is visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/maker-sakuma-totaro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eSakuma Totaro\u003c\/a\u003e (佐久間 藤太郎, 1900–1976)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSelected Career Highlights:\u003c\/strong\u003e [1924] Studied under Hamada Shoji, who had moved to Mashiko; [1927] Selected for the craft section of the Kokugakai exhibition; [1949] Became a member of the Kokugakai; [1953] Director of the Tochigi Prefecture Mingei Association; [1956] Exhibition commemorating thirty years of ceramic work (Tochigi Kaikan); [1959] Received the Tochigi Prefecture Cultural Merit Award; [1966] Two-person exhibition of Hamada Shoji and Sakuma Totaro (Toki); [1973] Received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fifth Class\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublic Collections:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, Otaru City Museum of Art\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e c. 1950 – c. 1975 (estimated; estimated to fall between c. 1950 and c. 1975, the period from when the artist held repeated solo exhibitions throughout Japan after the war until Sakuma’s death in 1976)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent (no chips or cracks; in good condition with minimal soiling)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded: \u003c\/strong\u003eTomobako for the pair of yunomi only (with ink inscription and red seal); no accessories for the tokkuri\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedium: \u003c\/strong\u003ePottery (painted in gosu cobalt blue)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tokkuri: body diameter approx. 8 cm, height approx. 16 cm \/ Yunomi (large): height approx. 9.0 cm, width approx. 8.6 cm, rim diameter approx. 7.2 cm \/ Yunomi (small): height approx. 8.5 cm, width approx. 8.0 cm, rim diameter approx. 6.7 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note: \u003c\/strong\u003eAll items offered by our shop, even those that are new and unused, were produced a very long time ago and are therefore listed as pre-owned. Items may show damage from age, so please understand and review this before considering your purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease check the photos:\u003c\/strong\u003e We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67781390106811,"sku":null,"price":55000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_6141_result_13fbbce5-c641-4dde-9882-b9efeff16a4c.jpg?v=1793023442"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/collections\/IMG_7323_result.jpg?v=1793677620","url":"https:\/\/antiqueliquor1926.com\/en\/collections\/water-droppers-and-jugs.oembed?page=2","provider":"Antique Liquor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}