Kutani ware (Kutani-yaki) is porcelain produced in the southern part of Ishikawa Prefecture. It is widely cherished for its beauty, featuring painterly and bold "overglaze enamels" (known as Uwaetsuke) depicting landscapes (sansui), flowers and birds (kachō), on items such as dishes and tea bowls, as well as decorative pieces. The coloring techniques have evolved with the times, giving rise to various distinctive Kutani styles, such as "Aokutani" (Blue Kutani), which avoids the use of red, and "Akakutani" (Red Kutani), which utilizes red enamel and gold leaf. The Kinrande (gold brocade) technique mastered by Kutani Shōza that became mainstream during the Meiji period became internationally famous and was dubbed "Japan Kutani." Building upon its traditions while embracing contemporary trends, Kutani ware continues to evolve even today. Size Approx H 38mm x W 77mm / 46g - Tamekichi Mitsui H 37mm x W 76mm / 62g - Saichi Matsumoto H 31mm x W 81mm / 68g - Kazunori Takegoshi H 29mm x W 71mm / 52g - Chikuo Yamagami H 25mm x W 83mm / 60g - Seiho H 32mm x W 77mm / 51g - Shinya Matsuura H 35mm x W 78mm / 62g - Tamekichi Ⅲ Tamkichi Mitsui (三ツ井為吉) Kutani Tamekichi is a highly respected family name and title in the world of Kutani ware ceramics (a famous style of Japanese porcelain from Ishikawa Prefecture). The name is most commonly associated with the line of master decorators specializing in the traditional colored enamel painting (uwaetsuke). The Tamekichi lineage is renowned for reviving and mastering the robust, elaborate, and highly classical styles of early Kutani, such as Ko-Kutani and Yoshidaya. Their works beautifully utilize the Kutani Five Colors (red, yellow, green, purple, and deep blue), creating sumptuous and dignified compositions. Works often feature intricate designs of landscapes, flowers, and birds, showcasing exceptional brushwork and a meticulous application of overglaze enamels. The most recent successor, Tamekichi Mitsui III (三代 三ツ井 為吉), is a celebrated artist whose works are internationally recognized for successfully merging traditional techniques with modern refinement. "Kutani Tamekichi" signifies a tradition of high-quality, highly decorative, and classic Kutani porcelain. Saichi Matsumoto (松本佐一) He was a renowned ceramic artist from Ishikawa Prefecture who inherited the traditions of Kutani ware while establishing his own unique artistic world. Born as the fifth generation of Matsuya Kiln, he passed away in 2021. amily lineage: Born into the family of Matsumoto Sahei, the founder of Matsuya Kiln in the late Edo period, Matsumoto Sahei is the fifth generation to carry on the tradition of Kutani ware. Education and training: After graduating from Kanazawa College of Art, he studied at the National Ceramic Testing Institute in Kyoto, honing his skills. Awards: Since his first selection at the Nitten Exhibition in 1952, he has received numerous awards, including special selections in 1985 and 1988. Cultural assets: He has been certified as a Kutani Intangible Cultural Asset by Ishikawa Prefecture, and has contributed greatly to the development of Kutani ware. Collections: His works are held in renowned museums both in Japan and abroad, including the British Museum and the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art. Matsumoto Saichi's style is characterized by its originality, incorporating modern sensibilities without being bound by the traditional framework of Kutani ware. While respecting tradition, he is always creating new works, driven by his desire to "never stop being just a craftsman," and has carved out a unique position for himself in the world of Kutani ware, earning him the accolade of "extraordinary genius." Kazunori Takegoshi (武腰一憲) Kazunori Takekoshi is the fifth generation of a master craftsman in the direct line of Kutani Shozo, a master of Kutani ware. While cherishing the traditional feel of Kutani ware, his style is characterized by a modern and innovative approach. He has received numerous awards, including the Japan Art Academy Member's Seal Award and the Prime Minister's Award. His work is characterized by its painterly and powerful expression, incorporating the traditional five colors known as the Kutani Gosai (red, yellow, green, purple, and indigo) as well as his unique "Samarkand Blue." Chikuo Yamagami (山上竹凰) He was a Kutani ware potter who was active from 1929 to 1999. n addition to the traditional techniques of Kutani ware, he is known for his works that use the advanced technique of "Yuriginsai" (silver underglaze). Representative works include beautiful vases with multiple layers of silver foil applied. n 1987, he served as a judge at the Creative Art Exhibition and was also selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition. In 1988, he received the Minister of Education Award and was highly acclaimed. Seiho (正峰) Seiho's works are popular for their dignified finish while maintaining the traditional aesthetic sense of Kutani ware. They are characterized by extremely careful and elegant painting using the traditional **Kutani Five Colors (red, yellow, green, purple, and indigo)**. They are particularly renowned for their technique of painting classical motifs of flowers, birds, the moon, and landscapes onto the surface of their pottery with meticulous brushstrokes. Shinya Matsuura(松浦慎弥） In 1973, he studied under Asakura Isokichi, a director of the Nitten Exhibition. In 1973, he was hired as a trainee by the Ishikawa Prefecture Specialty Industry Promotion Association. In 1986, he graduated from the Practitioner's Course at the Kutani Ware Technical Training Institute. During this time, he won an Honorable Mention Award at the 15th Toko-kai Exhibition and an Encouragement Award at the 16th, and was recommended as a member. He continued to be selected for exhibitions such as the Toko-kai Exhibition and the Nitten Exhibition, establishing himself as a Nitten artist. He creates his works in an environment blessed with nature, and his motifs include the Hakusan mountain range visible in the distance, seasonal flowers and plants, and scenery from his travels. In particular, he has inherited the powerful beauty of the style and vivid colors of Ko-Kutani ware and produced tasteful works. Tamkichi Ⅲ Eiichi Mitsui (3代目為吉 三ツ井詠一) Tamekichi Mitsui III is the professional name of Eiichi Mitsui (born 1935), a highly distinguished master of Kutani ware ceramics in Japan. He is regarded as one of the most important contemporary artists preserving and evolving the tradition of colored enamel porcelain. Technique: He specializes in overglaze enamel painting (uwaetsuke), demonstrating profound mastery of the Kutani Five Colors (red, yellow, green, purple, and deep blue). Style: His work combines the robust brushwork and composition of historical styles like Ko-Kutani and Yoshidaya with a refined, contemporary sensibility. His pieces are known for their sumptuous color and dignified elegance in traditional motifs. Recognition: Tamekichi III has received high honors, including the Prime Minister's Award (1987), and his work has been internationally recognized, including exhibitions at the Smithsonian Museum's Sackler Gallery. He is considered a key figure in upholding the highly decorated and colorful tradition of Kutani porcelain. Condition* In good condition. There are pain and stains due to aged deterioration,but no problem with functionality. Please use zoom to inspect all pictures closely for the cosmetic condition. This item is sold as a collectible, decor and not intended for daily use. Shipping* We will send items from yabai artworks Japan. FedEx International Priority DHL WORLD WIDE UPS Worldwide Saver Import Duty and Taxes* For all international shipments, applicable customs fees, duties, taxes, and required charges will apply to your order. These fees, import duties (if applicable), and local taxes are assessed when the package arrives in your country. 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