Description

Xandre Store Exclusive - A Heritage Tsuboya Work Connecting Historic Arakaki & Kobashigawa Ceramic Traditions

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 Yunomi | Ryukyu Folk Art
5. Craft Tradition: やちむん / 上焼 (Jō-yaki)

This hand-thrown yunomi embodies the expressive character of historic Tsuboya-yaki. Formed from iron-rich Okinawan clay, its cylindrical body features deeply incised Gyomon fish motifs (Senbori) accented with cobalt blue, copper green, and vibrant Aka-e red enamel. A gently flared rim, light interior slip, exposed clay foot, and tactile carved surface give the cup a distinctly Okinawan Mingei character while retaining practical everyday functionality. The piece is particularly notable for its association with Master Isao Arakaki and the historic Niou / Kobashigawa lineage. The 「仁」 mark on the unglazed base provides an important identifying feature associated with the Niou tradition.

Tsuboya Heritage

Tsuboya has been the historic center of Okinawan pottery in Naha for centuries, with its traditions shaped by the Ryukyu Kingdom and successive generations of local master potters.

The Gyomon fish motif became an important decorative language within Tsuboya ceramics, reflecting Okinawa's close relationship with the sea and traditional associations with abundance and prosperity. The Arakaki and Kobashigawa families represent important strands within this ceramic history.

Craftsmanship

1. Senbori: Fish designs individually incised into leather-hard clay.
2. Aka-e: Traditional red enamel applied alongside cobalt and copper-green decoration.
3. Multi-stage firing: Separate firing processes allow the decorative colors to develop their characteristic intensity.
4. Keshō-do: Light interior clay slip provides a smooth drinking surface.
5. Hand-thrown construction: Natural variations preserve the character of the maker's hand.

Collector Significance

1. Historic Tsuboya / Yachimun lineage
2. Associated with late master Isao Arakaki
3. Distinctive 「仁」 Niou mark on the base
4. Strong example of Okinawan Mingei aesthetics
5. Vintage work from a historical generation of Tsuboya craftsmanship
6. Directly acquired from the historic Tsuboya pottery district

Premium Highlights

1. Artist: Isao Arakaki (新垣 勲)
2. Lineage: 7th-generation Arakaki / Niou tradition
3. Studio: Arakaki Pottery Studio / Niou Kiln, Tsuboya
4. Form: Hand-thrown Yunomi
5. Motif: Ryukyu Fish (Gyomon)
6. Technique: Senbori carving and Aka-e decoration
7. Materials: Okinawan clay, mineral pigments, red enamel
8. Mark: 「仁」 Niou lineage mark
9. Provenance: Acquired in Tsuboya, Naha
10. Condition: Pristine vintage / heritage condition

Estimated Dimensions

1. Height: Approx. 9.5–10.5 cm
2. Rim Diameter: Approx. 7.5–8.5 cm
3. Base Diameter: Approx. 5.0–5.5 cm
4. Capacity: Approx. 200–250 mL (6.8–8.5 fl oz)
5. Weight: Approx. 220–280 g

Dimensions and capacity are estimates unless individually measured.

Curator's Note

"This yunomi captures the tactile character of Tsuboya pottery through its deeply carved Gyomon fish motif, vibrant Aka-e accents, and exposed Okinawan clay. The combination of Arakaki lineage and the Niou mark gives this modest tea vessel a strong connection to the visual and material language of historic Ryukyu folk ceramics."

Specifications

Care Instructions

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

Shipping & International Delivery

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

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