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Okinawan Ryukyu Master Yachimun Ceramic Collection: Niou Kiln (仁王窯) & Arakaki Studio Lineage - Master Isao Arakaki (新垣 勲) - Hand-Carved Polychrome Fish-Motif Teapot, Gyomon Senbori Aka-e Kyusu - 魚紋線彫赤絵急須
Okinawan Ryukyu Master Yachimun Ceramic Collection: Niou Kiln (仁王窯) & Arakaki Studio Lineage - Master Isao Arakaki (新垣 勲) - Hand-Carved Polychrome Fish-Motif Teapot, Gyomon Senbori Aka-e Kyusu - 魚紋線彫赤絵急須 - image 1
Okinawan Ryukyu Master Yachimun Ceramic Collection: Niou Kiln (仁王窯) & Arakaki Studio Lineage - Master Isao Arakaki (新垣 勲) - Hand-Carved Polychrome Fish-Motif Teapot, Gyomon Senbori Aka-e Kyusu - 魚紋線彫赤絵急須 - image 2
Okinawan Ryukyu Master Yachimun Ceramic Collection: Niou Kiln (仁王窯) & Arakaki Studio Lineage - Master Isao Arakaki (新垣 勲) - Hand-Carved Polychrome Fish-Motif Teapot, Gyomon Senbori Aka-e Kyusu - 魚紋線彫赤絵急須 - image 3
Okinawan Ryukyu Master Yachimun Ceramic Collection: Niou Kiln (仁王窯) & Arakaki Studio Lineage - Master Isao Arakaki (新垣 勲) - Hand-Carved Polychrome Fish-Motif Teapot, Gyomon Senbori Aka-e Kyusu - 魚紋線彫赤絵急須 - image 4
Okinawan Ryukyu Master Yachimun Ceramic Collection: Niou Kiln (仁王窯) & Arakaki Studio Lineage - Master Isao Arakaki (新垣 勲) - Hand-Carved Polychrome Fish-Motif Teapot, Gyomon Senbori Aka-e Kyusu - 魚紋線彫赤絵急須 - image 5
JPY60000
Item Details
Okinawan Ryukyu Master Yachimun Ceramic Collection: Niou Kiln (仁王窯) & Arakaki Studio Lineage - Master Isao Arakaki (新垣 勲) - Hand-Carved Polychrome Fish-Motif Teapot, Gyomon Senbori Aka-e Kyusu - 魚紋線彫赤絵急須
Product Details
Material Type
Fine Art Ceramics / Vintage Yachimun / Master Teapots / Okinawan Mingei
Length
Style
,
Country of Origin
Japan
About this item

Description

Xandre Store Exclusive - A Heritage Tsuboya Masterwork Connecting Arakaki and Kobashigawa Ceramic Lineages

Basic Information

  1. Artist / Master Potter: Isao Arakaki (新垣 勲), 7th-generation Arakaki lineage
  2. Studio / Lineage: Arakaki Pottery Studio (新垣製陶所) / Niou Kiln (仁王窯)
  3. Origin: Tsuboya, Naha City, Okinawa, Japan
  4. Category: Okinawan Yachimun | Fine Art Teapot | Mingei Folk Art
  5. Form: Hand-thrown Kyusu with woven rattan handle

This distinctive vintage Kyusu embodies the expressive character of traditional Tsuboya-yaki. The hand-thrown Okinawan clay body is decorated with deeply incised Gyomon fish imagery, with cobalt blue, copper green, and red Aka-e pigments emphasizing the carved lines. A broad, rounded body, fitted ceramic lid, integrated filter spout, and woven rattan handle give the teapot both practical functionality and a strong sculptural presence. The exposed clay around the foot reveals the warm, iron-rich character associated with Okinawan ceramics. The piece is particularly notable for its association with the Arakaki and Niou/Kobashigawa traditions, two historic ceramic lineages connected to Tsuboya's post-war ceramic revival. The 「仁」 mark further identifies its connection to the Niou tradition.

Heritage & Cultural Significance

Tsuboya's ceramic tradition developed from the Ryukyu Kingdom's consolidation of major Okinawan kilns in the 17th century and became the principal center of Okinawan pottery.

The Arakaki and Kobashigawa families played important roles in preserving and developing Tsuboya ceramics during the 20th century. The fish motif (Gyomon) became one of the best-known expressions of Okinawan folk pottery, reflecting the islands' close relationship with the sea and its symbolism of abundance and prosperity.

Craftsmanship

  1. Hand-thrown construction: Individually formed on the potter's wheel.
  2. Senbori carving: Fish imagery is incised into leather-hard clay by hand.
  3. Aka-e decoration: Traditional red enamel is combined with cobalt and copper-green pigments.
  4. Multi-stage firing: Requires careful control to preserve the clay body and decorative colors.
  5. Woven rattan handle: Provides a natural, tactile counterpoint to the ceramic body.

Collector Significance

  1. Master Lineage: Associated with Master Isao Arakaki and historic Tsuboya ceramic traditions.
  2. Historic Craft: Represents the elder generation of Okinawan studio pottery.
  3. Handmade Character: Individual carving, glazing, and firing create natural variation.
  4. Cultural Value: Combines functional tea ware with distinctive Ryukyu Mingei aesthetics.
  5. Provenance: Directly acquired from the historic kiln/gallery environment on Tsuboya Street, Naha.

Premium Highlights

  1. Artist: Isao Arakaki (新垣 勲)
  2. Lineage: 7th-generation Arakaki tradition / Niou Kiln connection
  3. Studio: Arakaki Pottery Studio / Niou Kiln, Tsuboya
  4. Technique: Wheel throwing, Senbori carving, Aka-e decoration
  5. Motif: Ryukyu Fish (Gyomon)
  6. Materials: Okinawan clay, mineral pigments, red enamel, woven rattan
  7. Mark: 「仁」 Niou lineage mark
  8. Condition: Pristine vintage / heritage condition
  9. Rarity: Finite surviving work from a historic Tsuboya lineage

Curator's Note

"The character of this teapot comes from the unmistakable rhythm of hand-carved Gyomon decoration, vibrant Okinawan color, and warm exposed clay. Its connection to the Arakaki and Niou traditions adds a deeper historical dimension, making it both a functional tea vessel and a compelling piece of Tsuboya ceramic heritage."

Specifications

AttributeDetails
ArtistMaster Isao Arakaki (新垣 勲) / Niou Kiln Lineage
Pedigree / Lineage7th-Generation Arakaki Family Lineage (Son of Eizaburo Arakaki)
StudioArakaki Pottery Studio / Niou Kiln — Tsuboya, Naha, Okinawa
CategoryOkinawan Yachimun / Master Teapot
FormTeapot with Woven Rattan Handle (Kyusu)
Estimated Dimensions~14-16 cm Body Dia. × ~22-25 cm Total Height (Inc. Handle)
Estimated Capacity~600 – 800 ml (20 – 27 fl oz)
MaterialsLocal Okinawan Terracotta Clay, Aka-e Red Enamel, Cobalt, Copper Glazes
TechniqueWheel-thrown, hand-incised senbori carving, multi-stage wood/gas firing
Color PaletteTerracotta Red, Cobalt Blue, Emerald Green, Candy Brown, Cream
ConditionPristine studio/heritage condition

Care Instructions

  1. Hand wash gently with warm water and a soft sponge.
  2. Avoid abrasive cleaners and prolonged soaking.
  3. Keep the rattan handle as dry as practical.
  4. Do not use a dishwasher, microwave, or oven.
  5. Dry thoroughly before storage.

Shipping & International Delivery

  1. Japan: Insured shipping with protective archival packaging.
  2. International: Fully insured delivery available.
  3. Import duties, VAT, and local taxes are the responsibility of the recipient.

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