*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS. This listing is for a Mino-ware chawan made around 20-30 years ago by Kato Eichi. It is wheel-thrown and coated with thick, semi-transparent white glaze over a high-fired stoneware base. This piece has a gently undulating rim, and the front is decorated with two iron oxide matsu pine motifs. Pine is a popular motif because it is one of the three friends of winter. Matsu pine, ume and bamboo are admired in both Japan and China as they do not wither against the cold of winter. All three plants are regarded as auspicious and are believed to symbolise endurance and strength. *PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CHASHAKU TEA SCOOP IS NOT INCLUDED. Kato Eichi is a Mino-ware potter who produces contemporary style chawan and teaware. His chawan are often decorated with layers of glaze and the colours are sometimes very dramatic. His teaware is usually thrown with white clay, and they tend to be low fired requiring careful handling like raku wares. His potter’s mark consists of two crossing lines just outside the foot ring. **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.Mino-ware refers to pottery produced in what was formerly the old Mino Province. Early examples of Mino-ware were predominantly ash-glazed stoneware pieces. Later however the use of the potter’s wheel, as well as a greater variety of glazes, began to characterize what is often thought to ideally represent Mino pottery today. Larger production kilns like Kozangama in Gifu Prefecture produce wares similar to Imari and Arita-ware. Various other kilns specialize in producing budget priced tableware, along with high end wares for various brand name stores and franchises around the country such as Tachikichi in Kyoto.SizeH.7.9cm (3.1”) x Dia.11.8cm (4.6”)ConditionIt’s in very good condition aside from some minor wear and tear to the glaze, mainly on the back of the bowl. Near the rim it looks like the glaze has come in contact with something abrasive, there’s a small worn patch. Lower down there is a line of spots where the same type of thing has happened, along with a scratch along the surface. Three smaller spots are also visible on the front. It doesn’t affect usage whatsoever, and the bowl is not affected structurally as its quite a strong, solid piece. THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION **Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia: NO SHIPPING. Very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to these countries. We have no plan to register at this time because the process is in some cases very expensive and complicated, plus each country has its own set of regulations and application process. **USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-28 days). Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message). **Asia: Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-21 days). Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message). **Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico: EMS Express 10-15 days. **Russia: No shipping methods available.
