Description

Xandre Store Exclusive - An Elder Tsuboya Masterwork of High-Relief Itchin Craftsmanship and Ryukyu Glaze Artistry

Basic Information

1. Artist / Master Potter: Katsumi Arakaki (新垣 克三)
2. Signature: Hand-incised 「克三」 on the unglazed base
3. Gallery / Studio Tradition: Tousai Gallery (陶彩) / Tsuboya studio lineage
4. Origin: Tsuboya, Naha City, Okinawa, Japan
5. Category: Okinawan Yachimun | Fine Art Vase | Sculptural Ceramic
6. Technique: Wheel-thrown body with hand-applied Itchin relief and polychrome glazing

This substantial hand-thrown vase demonstrates the sculptural potential of traditional Okinawan Yachimun. Master Katsumi Arakaki built the floral and Karakusa vine decoration using Itchin-a demanding slip-trailing technique in which raised clay slip is applied directly onto the vessel to create dimensional ornament. The relief wraps around the curved body, creating pronounced shadows and texture beneath layers of copper green, amber-brown, red, and cream glaze.

A contrasting pale slip neck and dark flared rim complete the composition. The vase's balanced hourglass silhouette (yachiyobin) further demonstrates the control required to maintain symmetry while applying substantial relief to a curved, leather-hard vessel. The incised 「克三」 mark on the base provides an important maker-identification feature, while provenance from Tousai Gallery in Tsuboya adds context to its acquisition history.

Craft & Artistic Characteristics

1. Itchin Relief: Raised clay slip creates dimensional floral and vine ornament.
2. Karakusa Motif: Continuous scrolling vines provide movement across the vessel.
3. Polychrome Glazing: Copper green, red, amber, cream, and dark tones create layered visual depth.
4. Hand-Thrown Form: The tall, balanced silhouette reflects traditional wheel craftsmanship.
5. Elder-Master Work: Represents the mature vocabulary of a senior Tsuboya ceramic artist.

Collector Significance

1. Direct Maker Mark: 「克三」 hand-incised on the base.
2. Tsuboya Provenance: Acquired through Tousai Gallery in the historic Tsuboya pottery district.
3. Specialized Technique: Extensive Itchin relief requires substantial handwork and careful firing.
4. Display Character: Designed to function equally as a flower vessel or sculptural ceramic.
5. Individuality: Hand-applied relief and kiln variation ensure an inherently unique surface.

Premium Highlights

1. Artist: Katsumi Arakaki (新垣 克三)
2. Signature: 「克三」
3. Gallery: Tousai Gallery (陶彩), Tsuboya
4. Form: Large sculptural flower vase (Kabin)
5. Technique: Wheel throwing, Itchin slip trailing, polychrome glazing
6. Motif: Karakusa floral-scroll pattern
7. Materials: Okinawan clay, natural slip, mineral-based glazes
8. Provenance: Tousai Gallery, Tsuboya, Naha
9. Condition: Pristine gallery condition

Estimated Dimensions

1. Height: Approx. 27–30 cm
2. Maximum Diameter: Approx. 14–16 cm
3. Rim Diameter: Approx. 8.5–9.5 cm
4. Base Diameter: Approx. 10–11 cm
5. Weight: Approx. 1.8–2.4 kg

Dimensions and weight are approximate unless individually measured.

Curator's Note

"The strength of this vase lies in its dimensional surface. Master Katsumi Arakaki transforms traditional floral and Karakusa decoration into architectural relief, allowing light and shadow to become part of the composition. The combination of the 「克三」 maker's mark, substantial Itchin workmanship, and Tsuboya provenance gives the vessel a particularly strong presence as both functional pottery and collectible Okinawan ceramic art."

Specifications

Care Instructions

1. Dust gently with a soft, dry microfiber cloth.
2. Use only a slightly damp cloth when necessary.
3. Avoid abrasive cleaners and contact with hard objects that could damage the raised relief.
4. Do not immerse in water or place in a dishwasher.
5. Display on a stable surface away from temperature extremes and direct impact.

Shipping & International Delivery

1. Japan: Insured express shipping with custom protective packaging.
2. International: Fully insured shipping available to the USA, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and other destinations.
3. Customs duties, VAT, and local import taxes are the recipient's responsibility.
4. Large-format pieces are packaged using impact-resistant protective materials.

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