– Work by Tanaka Sajirō, Karatsu pottery tradition – Rustic stoneware ladle rest (hishaku-tate) for tea ceremony use – Warm, earthy glaze with natural ash effects and traditional Karatsu aesthetic Summary: A pottery ladle stand (hishaku-tate) by Tanaka Sajirō, created in the Karatsu tradition. This functional tea ceremony utensil is designed to hold the bamboo ladle (hishaku) used for scooping water during tea preparation. The piece exhibits the warm, understated aesthetic that defines Karatsu ware: a buff or grey stoneware body, natural ash glaze effects, and a slightly irregular form that honours the hand of the maker. It comes with its signed wooden box (tomobako), confirming authenticity and provenance, and is in excellent condition. Karatsu ware, produced in Saga and Nagasaki prefectures in Kyūshū since the late 16th century, occupies a special place in Japanese tea culture. The kilns were among the first in Japan to adopt Korean ceramic techniques, brought by Korean potters during the invasions of the 1590s. Karatsu's clay bodies and glazes – particularly the soft, muted tones and spontaneous kiln effects – appealed to tea masters who valued wabi-sabi, the aesthetic of imperfection and rusticity. Tanaka Sajirō's work continues this lineage. His ladle stand is simple in form – likely a low, open vessel or a small upright cylinder – designed to cradle the hishaku handle and keep it stable during the tea ceremony. The glaze may be a classic Karatsu type: e-Karatsu (painted Karatsu with iron or cobalt brushwork), Chosen-Karatsu (Korean-style with contrasting glazes), or a plain ash glaze that pools and breaks in natural patterns. The surface will show the hallmarks of wood-fired or high-temperature stoneware: subtle colour variations, areas where the glaze thins to reveal the clay, and perhaps ash deposits or "fire marks" where flames licked the pot during firing. These accidental effects are prized in Karatsu ware, as they embody the collaboration between potter, clay, and kiln. For tea practitioners, this ladle stand is a functional tool that adds authenticity and beauty to the tea setting. For collectors of Japanese ceramics, it represents a direct link to one of the country's most respected pottery traditions. The piece also works as a standalone sculpture, its quiet presence suited to minimalist or Japanese-inspired interiors. The condition is excellent. The stoneware is intact, with no cracks or chips, and the glaze retains its original lustre. Any surface irregularities are intentional aspects of the Karatsu firing process. The signed tomobako provides assurance of authenticity and adds collectible value. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Japanese ceramics and guarantee this piece's authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours. 1402