Genkichi Mitsui's work, Agano ware, underglaze red peony design, tea bowl, box, cloth, bookmark This beautiful tea bowl was crafted by Mitsui Genkichi, an esteemed artist known for his work in Agano-yaki (Agano ware)—a traditional ceramic style from Fukuoka Prefecture with over 400 years of history. Originally favored by feudal lords and tea masters, Agano ware is celebrated for its graceful forms, soft glazes, and quiet elegance rooted in the wabi-sabi aesthetic. The piece features a striking underglaze red peony design (釉裏紅牡丹文). In East Asian culture, the peony—revered as the "King of Flowers"—symbolizes prosperity, nobility, and feminine grace. Its presence on a tea bowl evokes a refined seasonal sentiment and poetic atmosphere, aligning with the meditative spirit of the Japanese tea ceremony. The natural crackle in the glaze and subtle hand-painted motif give the bowl a sense of timeless warmth and understated sophistication. It is a wonderful addition for collectors of traditional Japanese ceramics or lovers of the tea ceremony. Includes the original signed wooden box (tomobako), protective cloth, and explanatory leaflet. 上野焼* The history of Agano ware dates back to 1602. It was born from the encounter between Hosokawa Tadaoki, the first feudal lord of the Buzen Kokura domain, who learned from Sen no Rikyu, the founder of the tea ceremony, and the Yi dynasty potter Sonkai, and is characterized by its roots in the "tea ware" used in tea ceremonies. It also has a tradition and pride in having made special ware for the feudal lord since the kiln first opened. Even today, ware that exudes elegance and dignity backed by its 400-year history is produced one after another. Agano ware strongly reflects the spirit of the tea ceremony, "wabi-sabi," which means "simple and quiet." It is not too conspicuous, but still has a certain presence. That is the greatest appeal of Agano ware. Because it has its roots in tea ware, it is generally characterized by being thin and light, but what is attracting attention in modern times is the variety created by using many types of glazes. This is the result of the efforts and ingenuity of our predecessors who worked hard to create a variety of pottery while cherishing tradition. When the Edo period gave way to the Meiji period and the feudal domain system was abolished, the fact that it had been protected by the domain turned out to be a disadvantage, and Agano ware was on the verge of disappearing. Having overcome such hardships, the strength of Agano ware today is that it has continued to evolve, facing the times without compromising with the status quo. There are more than 20 different ways of expressing the style, including the signature "green porcelain nagashi," in which a striking copper-derived green glaze is applied in a flowing manner. We hope that you will be able to feel the long history of the pottery, which is diverse yet somehow tasteful. Please refer to the accompanying images for a visual representation, though note that the photos may not capture all the intricate details of this exquisite piece. Shipping is handled by Japan Post. Please note that the package may be larger and heavier than the product itself due to the careful packaging of the product for safe shipping. Any customs duties or additional fees will be the responsibility of the buyer.