Yamamoto Choza Ai-Kutani Sakazuki "Toka" (Peach Blossom), Indigo

A shallow sake cup by Yamamoto Choza, painted entirely in shades of indigo with peaches over a shonzui-style ground.

Yamamoto Choza of Myosen Tobo is a Kutani painter supplying the Imperial Household Agency; the dealer notes his many commissions for court occasions such as enthronement and wedding banquets. His speciality is ai-Kutani, a contemporary take on the blue-and-white side of Kutani, built from very fine cobalt linework and layered washes rather than the familiar five enamels. On this cup, small peach motifs, an old emblem of longevity, are set into a geometric shonzui pattern and drawn with a precision that rewards close looking.

Details

• Artist: Yamamoto Choza (山本長左), Myosen Tobo, Kutani
• Title: Toka (桃華), indigo underglaze
• Material: porcelain
• Size: approx. 7 cm diameter × 3 cm high
• Box: wooden box (木箱)
• Condition: new

Watch: how Kutani porcelain is painted

A TEWAZA craft film showing Kutani ware techniques, from Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square. (A general craft video — not this piece or maker.)

Please read before ordering

• Limited availability. We confirm availability with the dealer in Japan within one business day of your order; if it has sold we refund in full immediately.
• Ships from New Jersey in 2–3 weeks. Price includes all import duties. Fully insured, signature required.
• Professionally double-boxed for shipping.