*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS. This listing is for an old and robust Bizen-ware kensui made around 70-80 years ago. Kensui are intended for use during the tea ceremony. Essentially the job of a kensui is to hold used water after tea utensils have been rinsed off. The kensui in this listing is hand-shaped and moulded to resemble a basket. It features a hand-shaped crab on the front, and is decorated with incised lines resembling the woven strips you would see on a basket. This is a very solid and primitive looking piece, ideal for wabi sabi enthusiasts. Bizen-ware is generally known for its iron-like hardness, simple unglazed texture, and distinctive markings resulting from wood-burning kiln firing. Because of the clay composition, Bizen pottery is fired slowly over a long period of time. Firings take place only once or twice a year. They require the wood fire to be kept burning for 10-14 days, which involves long hours and tonnes of wood. Bizen clay is dug up from rice fields and this iron rich clay is what gives most Bizen-ware its dark colours, though, a few potters prefer to use lighter mountain clay. Size H.8.8cm (3.4”) x 14.4cm (5.6”) across x 12.9cm (5”) diameter rim Condition Overall it’s in pretty good condition aside from firing cracks with residue on the interior. The cracks don’t go all the way through so there is no leakage or problem at all. 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.
