{"product_id":"323","title":"Touko Konishi II (Mitsue Konishi), Bizen Ware Pair of Crescent Side Dishes \"A-UN\" with Hidasuki, Hand-Carved Craft Side Dishes #323","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14\"\u003eThis is a pair of Bizen ware crescent-shaped side dishes crafted by Touko Konishi II (real name Mitsue Konishi, 1927–2018), a master who spanned the Taisho, Showa, and Heisei eras while inheriting the supreme skills of Touko Konishi I—renowned from the Taisho to early Showa eras as a master of intricate Bizen figural claywork (saikumono)—and preserving the proud tradition of the kiln. Touko Konishi II strictly maintained the highly complex fine clayworking techniques (sculptural carving and intricate shaping) and natural unglazed reduction firing knowledge directly handed down from the first generation, contributing deeply to the preservation and evolution of traditional craft until passing away at the age of 91. This set stands as a remarkable synthesis of refined artisanal precision and the raw power of earth and fire characteristic of Bizen ceramics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"15\"\u003eThe set consists of two crescent-shaped dishes featuring the raised Japanese characters \"A\" (あ) and \"UN\" (うん) in embossed relief. The concept of \"A-UN\" originates from the Sanskrit \"a-hūm,\" where \"A\" represents the open-mouthed first sound symbolizing the beginning of all creation, and \"UN\" represents the closed-mouthed final sound symbolizing the end. In Japan, this duality is famously depicted in paired guardian lions (Komainu) and Nio statues at temples and shrines. The phrase \"A-UN no Koshū\" (breath of A-UN) describes a state of perfect non-verbal harmony, mutual trust, and synchronized spirit between two individuals. This piece physically expresses this spiritual harmony through the contrast of two vessels: the \"A\" dish utilizes the Hidasuki technique, where rice straw wrapped around the clay reacts in the kiln to form vibrant reddish-brown streak lines, while the \"UN\" dish features a deep reddish Hiiro (fire color) tone formed by direct kiln flames across the raw stoneware. Both dishes are decorated with precise carved geometric line motifs using sculpting tools, harmonizing the signature Konishi family's fine clayworking prowess with contrasting natural kiln effects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003eWe propose this pair of dishes, rich in traditional craftsmanship and cultural depth, as refined Japanese Kogei vessels for serving appetizers and side dishes paired with aged spirits, junmai sake, or whisky in modern lifestyles. The earthy texture of unglazed Bizen stoneware and the contrasting vermilion tones elevate presented food while bringing a sense of traditional Japanese aesthetic harmony to the table. Produced in limited quantities through delicate handwork during the second-generation era (1927–2018), this authentic pair bears the stamped mark \"Touko\" and comes with its original wooden box in exceptional condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist：\u003c\/strong\u003eTouko Konishi II (real name Mitsue Konishi, 1927–2018)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"18\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist's Representative Activity：\u003c\/strong\u003eStudied under Touko Konishi I (a master of intricate saikumono figural claywork) to inherit kiln traditions; Established signature Bizen unglazed reduction and fine carving techniques as the second generation of Touko Konishi Kiln; Awarded the Commendation for Persons of Distinguished Services to Traditional Craft Industries (Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award) by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2011; Contributed greatly to the preservation of traditional craft techniques and industrial promotion through the Bizen Pottery Artists Cooperative and other organizations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod of Production：\u003c\/strong\u003eCirca 1975–1995 (Peak mature era of Touko Konishi II)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"20\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition：\u003c\/strong\u003eVery good (no chips, no cracks, excluding age-related character typical of antique art)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories：\u003c\/strong\u003eNone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"22\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial：\u003c\/strong\u003eStoneware (Bizen ware \/ Unglazed high-firing, Hidasuki straw markings, Hiiro fire color, carved line ornament, relief lettering)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions：\u003c\/strong\u003eLength approx. 10.6 cm, Width approx. 16.0 cm, Height approx. 1.0–1.9 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"24\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaution：\u003c\/strong\u003eAll products offered by our shop are historical items from an old production period and are listed as antique art \/ pre-owned items. Products may have subtle changes due to age, so please consider purchasing after understanding and verifying the nature of antique art.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48115730940091,"sku":null,"price":35000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_9515_result.jpg?v=1784701540","url":"https:\/\/antiqueliquor1926.com\/en\/products\/323","provider":"Antique Liquor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}