Description

Xandre Store Exclusive - A Contemporary Successor Work Connecting Generational Tsuboya Craftsmanship, Traditional Senbori Carving & Ryukyu Folk-Art Aesthetics

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 base
4. Studio / Gallery: Tousai (陶彩), Tsuboya, Naha, Okinawa
5. Category: Okinawan Yachimun | Functional Art Object | Ceramic Card Holder / Desk Sculpture
6. Technique: Hand-formed, senbori carving & polychrome overglaze

This hand-formed ceramic card holder combines traditional Tsuboya craftsmanship with a contemporary functional design. Created by Akane Arakaki (新垣 あかね), daughter of Senior Master Potter Katsumi Arakaki (新垣 克三), the piece carries her distinctive 「あかね」 signature on the unglazed base. The rounded ceramic form features a precision-cut top groove for displaying business cards, place cards or small prints. Its surface is decorated with a hand-carved floral motif (kamon), using senbori line carving and vibrant overglaze accents in crimson red, forest green, cobalt blue and yellow against an off-white keshō-do ground. Acquired through Tousai (陶彩) on Tsuboya Pottery Street, the piece represents a contemporary expression of a continuing family ceramic tradition—equally suited to an executive desk, gallery shelf or refined dining setting.

Generational Heritage

1. Family Lineage: Akane Arakaki is the daughter and successor of Senior Master Katsumi Arakaki.
2. Maker's Mark: The hand-incised 「あかね」 signature identifies the individual maker.
3. Tsuboya Tradition: The work carries forward traditional Okinawan carved-decoration and polychrome glazing techniques in a modern functional form.
4. Provenance: Acquired through Tousai Gallery in Tsuboya, Naha.

Craft & Design

1. Functional Groove: Integrated top slot securely displays cards or small artwork.
2. Senbori (線彫): Floral decoration is individually carved into the ceramic surface.
3. Polychrome Finish: Red, green, blue and yellow enamel accents create contrast against the cream-colored body.
4. Handmade Form: Individual shaping, carving and glazing give each work its own character.

Estimated Dimensions

1. Width / Diameter: Approx. 6.5–7.5 cm
2. Height: Approx. 4.5–5.5 cm
3. Card Slot: Approx. 2–3 mm
4. Weight: Approx. 200–260 g

Measurements are approximate.

Premium Highlights

1. Artist: Akane Arakaki (新垣 あかね)
2. Lineage: Daughter of Katsumi Arakaki (新垣 克三)
3. Origin: Tousai (陶彩), Tsuboya, Naha, Okinawa
4. Form: Ceramic card holder / desk sculpture
5. Materials: Okinawan clay, keshō-do slip & polychrome enamels
6. Technique: Hand-formed, grooved construction, senbori carving & overglaze firing
7. Signature: 「あかね」 hand-incised on base
8. Provenance: Tousai Gallery acquisition
9. Rarity: Individual studio-made successor work

Curator’s Note

“Akane Arakaki's card holder brings traditional Tsuboya decoration into a distinctly contemporary format. The carved floral motif and vivid enamel details give the compact form a strong visual presence while preserving its practical purpose.”

Specifications

Care

1. Wipe gently with a soft, dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth.
2. Use a soft brush to remove dust from the card groove.
3. Avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals.
4. Handle carefully around 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 for safe ceramic transit.

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