Description

Xandre Store Exclusive - A Generational Tsuboya Art Piece Bridging Traditional Senbori Craftsmanship, Ryukyu Folk Art & Contemporary Collecting

Basic Information

1. Artist: Akane Arakaki (新垣 あかね)
2. Lineage: Daughter of Senior Master Potter Katsumi Arakaki (新垣 克三)
3. Signature: Hand-incised 「あかね」 on the base
4. Studio / Gallery: Tousai (陶彩), Tsuboya, Naha, Okinawa
5. Category: Okinawan Yachimun | Ceramic Art Object | Paperweight / Desk Sculpture
6. Technique: Hand-forming, senbori line carving & polychrome overglaze

This palm-sized ceramic art object by Akane Arakaki (新垣 あかね) carries the visual language of traditional Tsuboya yachimun into a contemporary decorative form. The rounded, hand-shaped body features a flowing Ryukyu fish motif (gyomon), deeply incised using the traditional senbori technique. Red aka-e, forest green, cobalt blue and yellow accents are applied within the carved lines over a warm honey-brown glaze, creating a vivid contrast between the textured decoration and smooth ceramic surface.

The unglazed base bears Akane Arakaki's handwritten 「あかね」 signature, while the piece's connection to Senior Master Katsumi Arakaki (克三) represents a direct generational link within the Tousai studio tradition. Compact enough for a desk, shelf or display cabinet, its tactile pebble form makes it both a functional paperweight and a small collectible expression of contemporary Okinawan folk-art ceramics.

Generational Heritage

1. Family Lineage: Akane Arakaki is the daughter and successor of Senior Master Katsumi Arakaki.
2. Tsuboya Tradition: The work continues the long-standing Okinawan tradition of combining expressive carved decoration with colorful ceramic glazes.
3. Gyomon Motif: The fish design is a recurring element in Okinawan ceramic decoration and is traditionally associated with abundance, vitality and the sea.
4. Studio Provenance: Acquired through Tousai (陶彩) on Tsuboya Pottery Street.

Craft & Surface

1. Senbori (線彫): Hand-incised fish decoration creates tactile channels across the curved surface.
2. Polychrome Glazing: Red, green, blue and yellow accents contrast against the honey-brown ground.
3. Hand-Formed Body: The rounded shape emphasizes the natural character and individuality of handmade yachimun.
4. Signature: The 「あかね」 mark on the underside provides a distinctive maker attribution.

Estimated Dimensions

1. Width / Diameter: Approx. 6.5–7.5 cm
2. Height: Approx. 3.5–4.5 cm
3. Weight: Approx. 180–240 g

Measurements are approximate.

Premium Highlights

1. Artist: Akane Arakaki (新垣 あかね)
2. Lineage: Daughter of Senior Master Katsumi Arakaki (新垣 克三)
3. Origin: Tousai (陶彩), Tsuboya, Naha, Okinawa
4. Form: Rounded ceramic paperweight / decorative object
5. Materials: Okinawan clay, natural ceramic glazes & overglaze enamels
6. Technique: Hand-formed, senbori carving & overglaze firing
7. Signature: 「あかね」 hand-incised on base
8. Provenance: Acquired through Tousai Gallery
9. Rarity: Individual studio-made successor work

Curator’s Note

“In a compact form, this work expresses the continuity of Tsuboya's ceramic tradition. The hand-carved fish motif, lively polychrome accents and personal 「あかね」 signature connect a contemporary studio piece with the techniques and visual vocabulary of Okinawan folk ceramics.”

Specifications

Care

1. Wipe gently with a soft, dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth.
2. Avoid abrasive materials and harsh chemical cleaners.
3. Handle carefully around the raised carved and glazed surfaces.

Shipping & International Delivery

1. Japan: Insured express shipping with protective archival packaging.
2. International: Insured international courier service available; customs duties, VAT, GST and other local charges are the recipient's responsibility.
3. Packaging: Secure impact-resistant packaging designed for fragile ceramic artwork.

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