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 | Card Holder / Desk Sculpture
6. Technique: Hand-formed, senbori line carving & polychrome overglaze

This hand-formed ceramic card holder combines traditional Tsuboya craftsmanship with contemporary functionality. Created by Akane Arakaki (新垣 あかね), daughter of Senior Master Potter Katsumi Arakaki (新垣 克三), the piece bears her distinctive 「あかね」 signature on the unglazed base. The rounded form incorporates a precision-cut top groove for displaying business cards, place cards or small prints. Its surface features a hand-carved Ryukyu fish motif (gyomon), executed in traditional senbori technique and accented with cobalt blue, crimson red (aka-e), forest green and golden yellow enamels against an off-white keshō-do ground. Acquired through Tousai (陶彩) on Tsuboya Pottery Street, this compact work presents a contemporary expression of a continuing family ceramic tradition while remaining practical for an executive desk, home office, dining table or display shelf.

Generational Heritage

1. Maker: Akane Arakaki (新垣 あかね), daughter of Senior Master Katsumi Arakaki.
2. Signature: Hand-incised 「あかね」 identifies the individual maker.
3. Craft Tradition: Traditional senbori carving and polychrome glazing are adapted to a functional modern object.
4. Gyomon Motif: The fish design is a recurring decorative element in Okinawan ceramic art, associated with abundance and vitality.
5. Provenance: Acquired through Tousai Gallery, Tsuboya, Naha.

Craft & Design

1. Functional Groove: Integrated top slot securely holds cards or small prints.
2. Senbori (線彫): Fish decoration is individually carved into the ceramic surface.
3. Polychrome Finish: Blue, red, green and yellow accents contrast with the cream-colored ground.
4. Handmade Form: Individual shaping, carving and glazing create natural variation between pieces.

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

“This card holder brings traditional Tsuboya ceramic decoration into a distinctly contemporary format. The expressive fish carving and vivid enamel accents create a strong visual presence while the integrated groove preserves its practical purpose.”

Specifications

Care

1. Wipe gently with a soft, dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth.
2. Use a soft brush to keep the card groove free of dust.
3. Avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals.
4. Handle carefully around 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 local charges are the recipient's responsibility.
3. Packaging: Secure impact-resistant packaging for safe ceramic transit.

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