Xandre Store Exclusive: Celebrating Okinawan Artisanal Heritage through Contemporary Ceramic Fine Art

Discover how Xandre LLC bridges the legacy of Ryukyu ceramic craftsmanship with contemporary luxury collecting. Sourced directly from Futamata Kiln (工房勝窯) in Okinawa, this curated collection transforms historically significant Shuri Castle restoration clay into distinctive handcrafted vessels—preserving a tangible connection to Okinawa's architectural and ceramic heritage.

Okinawan Ryukyu Historic Clay Collection

The Shuri Castle Main Hall (正殿 / Seiden) has long stood as one of Okinawa's most important symbols of Ryukyu heritage. During restoration work involving the castle's traditional roof ornaments, locally sourced clay associated with the creation of the Ryuto-Munakazari (龍頭棟飾 / guardian dragon ridge ornaments) was reclaimed and given new artistic life.

Master ceramic artist Katsunosuke Futamata (二俣勝之助) of Futamata Kiln (工房勝窯) incorporates this historic material into a limited series of handcrafted ceramic vessels. Through traditional forming, glazing, and high-temperature firing, reclaimed clay associated with the restoration becomes a contemporary object that connects Okinawan architectural history with the living tradition of Yachimun pottery.

Katsunosuke Futamata: Handcrafted Shuri Castle Restored-Clay "Shoki" Sake Vessel / Teapot (酒器)

Handcrafted in Okinawa, Japan, by master potter Katsunosuke Futamata (二俣勝之助), this distinctive ceramic vessel features a dramatic overhead loop handle and a rustic ash-glazed body. The historic reclaimed clay provides an earthy foundation, while natural firing effects create mineral speckling, tonal variation, and subtle green-blue glaze accents around the handle and vessel joints.

1. Historic Shuri Castle Restoration Clay: Incorporates reclaimed Okinawan clay associated with the production of the Main Hall's traditional guardian dragon roof ornaments, giving the vessel a direct material connection to Shuri Castle's restoration heritage.
2. Master Ceramicist Craftsmanship: Individually formed and finished by Katsunosuke Futamata (二俣勝之助) of Futamata Kiln (工房勝窯).
3. Distinctive Overhead Loop Handle: A sculptural ceramic handle creates a strong architectural silhouette while providing a practical grip for pouring and serving.
4. Natural Ash-Glaze Character: Wood-ash firing produces an organic brown and olive-toned surface with mineral flecks and naturally occurring green-blue glaze pooling.
5. Living Heritage Craft: Combines historically significant reclaimed material with contemporary Okinawan ceramic artistry, making the vessel both functional tableware and a collectible cultural object.
6. Limited Heritage Edition: Produced as part of a limited Shuri Castle-related collection, offering collectors an uncommon connection between historic Okinawan architecture and modern Yachimun craftsmanship.

Curator's Note: Each vessel is individually handcrafted and fired, making every piece visually distinct. Variations in clay texture, ash-glaze movement, mineral speckling, firing coloration, and glaze pooling are natural characteristics of the artisan process. These variations should be appreciated as part of the vessel's individual character.

Specifications

1. Master Craftsman / Studio: Katsunosuke Futamata (二俣勝之助) / Futamata Kiln (工房勝窯)
2. Origin: Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
3. Category: Limited-Edition Ceramic Sake Vessel / Teapot / Fine Art Vessel
4. Collection: Shuri Castle Historic Clay Limited Edition Collection (首里城 数量限定販売)
5. Craft Tradition: Okinawan Yachimun Ceramic Art
6. Materials: Reclaimed Shuri Castle restoration clay, natural wood-ash glaze
7. Color: Earthy olive-brown with mineral flecks and sea-green glaze accents
8. Dimensions:
9. Height (Including Handle): Approx. 18.0–21.0 cm (7.1–8.3 inches)
10. Body Diameter: Approx. 12.0–14.0 cm (4.7–5.5 inches)
11. Total Width (Spout to Body): Approx. 15.0–17.0 cm (5.9–6.7 inches)
12. Weight: Approx. 750–950 g
13. Price / Value Reference: ¥15,125 JPY (Tax Included)
14. Packaging: Presentation gift box with available historical/authenticity documentation
15. Quantity Included: One (1) handcrafted limited-edition Shuri Castle historic-clay ceramic vessel

Historic Material & Authenticity

The defining character of this vessel lies in its connection to Shuri Castle restoration materials. Rather than reproducing a historical object, the piece gives reclaimed ceramic material a new purpose through contemporary Okinawan craftsmanship.

Because the clay is naturally variable and the vessel is individually shaped and fired, no two pieces will possess exactly the same surface character. Differences in texture, color, glaze movement, and firing marks are expected features of authentic studio pottery.

Care

Rinse gently with warm water after use. If detergent is necessary, use a mild dish soap and a soft sponge. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth or allow the vessel to air-dry completely before storage.

Do not use in a dishwasher, microwave, or on a direct stovetop flame. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, harsh chemical cleaners, and sudden temperature changes that could damage the ceramic or natural ash-glazed surface.

Shipping & International Orders

Domestic shipping within Japan is available. International orders may be subject to additional shipping charges, import duties, VAT, GST, customs fees, or other local taxes, which remain the responsibility of the recipient.