Kiyomizu Ware Guardian Dog

Product Description

Product Story

General Product Information

Lions are represented in various forms in the West as lions, and in Japan as shishi (lions) and komainu (guardian lion-dogs). They are also considered spiritual beasts that demarcate the secular world from the sacred realm. This tiny lion, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, is glazed with "Oribe ware," which was favored by the tea master Furuta Oribe. It is a green object, resembling the wagashi (Japanese confectionery) called yomogi mochi. I hope you can use it as a decoration on your desk or in your room.

 Product History

When did these crafts start to craft?：400 years ago / 1600AD / Edo period in Japan

Kyo-ware and Kiyomizu-ware are ceramics produced in Kyoto. The difference between these two is the Kyo-ware refers to the whole ceramics produced in Kyoto, while Kiyomizu-ware refers to the ceramics in Kiyomizu area. In the early Edo period (1600s), main production was tea ceremony utensils. While mechanization has spread to other production centers as time has progressed, Kyo-ware and Kiyomizu-ware is that they are still made by hand. One of the characteristics of Kyoy-ware and Kiyomizu-ware is that many avant-garde artists have emerged, creating a variety of works that cannot be lumped together. There is no set style, and the free style boosted the popularity among the masses.

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

Shuko Kawahara
Shuko Kawahara is a ceramic artist based in Kyoto. She creates artworks centered around imaginary animals, utilizing traditional glazes. These pieces are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, shaped like droplets or water pitchers, and possess a unique charm that soothes the viewer's heart. Ms. Kawahara aims to bring moments of joy into everyday life with these tiny beings, carefully crafting each piece to achieve this goal.

Craftsman Passion

"Fusing Tradition and Creativity"

Based on traditional Kiyomizu-ware techniques, I am exploring entirely new shapes and concepts of imaginary animals, aiming to provide viewers with fresh surprises and joy. These ceramic creatures offer moments of delight in daily life, captivating hearts with their delicacy and creativity.

Your Contribution to Craftsman

Customer Voice

Due to the market structure (link for full articles are attached bottom), craftsman have not known who the customer is and how customer reacts to their work. We made a “Message to Craftsman” box at purchase page. We will deliver all message to every craftsman. Our review will be also shared to craftsman so please leave your comment and evaluation on review section!

Income for Craftsman: Craftsman get only less than 10% of selling price?

As written above, craftsman have not controlled last phase of sales channel that resulting in selling price is set by third-party without craftsman’s recognition. There are some cases that only less than 10% of selling price is given to craftsman. We promise with our customer / craftsman that we offer the fair trade with craftsmen in our contract!

We made an article about above problem and our challenge. Please have a read from below link.
Current state of the Crafts Market / Benefits brought by Suigenkyo

Measurement

Width : 9cm
Height : 7cm
Depth : 2.5cm
Weight : 130g

Material & Caution

Materials

Ceramic

Caution

If this item is not in stock, it will take about one month to manufacture.