Description

Xandre Store Exclusive: Toshio Kinjo Okinawan Yachimun Masterpiece

Continuing the Masterful Ceramic Heritage of Yomitan Village, Okinawa

Discover an exceptional piece of traditional Okinawan Yachimun (やちむん) pottery crafted by master potter Toshio Kinjo (金城敏男), eldest son of Okinawa's first Living National Treasure, Jiro Kinjo. Hand-thrown at the family kiln in Yomitan Village, Okinawa, this traditional ceramic kara-kara (カラカラ) vessel carries forward the iconic hand-carved fish motif (魚紋 / Fish-mon) and vibrant folk art aesthetic that defines the Kinjo lineage.

Toshio Kinjo (金城敏男) - Fish Motif Ceramic Kara-kara (魚紋 カラカラ)

The kara-kara is a classic Okinawan ceramic vessel traditionally used for serving local Awamori spirits. Its name derives from the pleasant rattling sound made by a small ceramic marble trapped inside as liquid is poured.

Crafted in a signature compressed disc form with a short pour spout and top filling hole, this piece showcases a dynamic hand-incised fish motif encircling the convex top surface. The carved design features warm iron-amber brushwork and slate-blue glaze highlights set against a smooth, sand-grey stoneware clay body, encircled along the waist by a flowing wave and dot border pattern.

Highlights

1. Yomitan Village Craftsmanship: Handcrafted by master potter Toshio Kinjo (金城敏男) in Yomitan Village, Okinawa.
2. Kinjo Lineage Heritage: Represents the direct artistic legacy and technique passed down through the Kinjo family.
3. Iconic Fish Motif (魚紋): Features Toshio Kinjo's distinctive hand-incised fish design with dynamic curved fins and expressive eyes.
4. Traditional Kara-Kara Form: Classic flattened disc body with central spout, top filling port, and wave-pattern waist decoration.
5. Artist Signed Base: Features Toshio Kinjo's characteristic incised mark ("ト" / To) etched into the unglazed base.

Specifications

1. Artist: Toshio Kinjo (金城敏男)
2. Studio / Provenance: Kinjo Kiln (金城窯), Yomitan Village, Okinawa, Japan
3. Origin & Craft Tradition: Okinawan Yachimun Pottery (やちむん), Yomitan, Okinawa Prefecture
4. Category / Form: Toshio Kinjo Yachimun / Ceramic Kara-kara (Awamori Sake Vessel) / Fine Craft
5. Motif: Fish & Wave Motif - 魚紋 (Fish-mon)
6. Technique & Materials: Wheel-thrown ceramic clay with hand-incised carving and mineral glaze finishes
7. Color Palette: Warm sand grey, iron amber brown, slate blue glaze drip at spout base, and dark outline work
8. Dimensions (Height x Diameter x Width): Approx. 5.5–6.5 cm (2.2–2.6 in) height x 10.5–11.5 cm (4.1–4.5 in) disc diameter x 12.0–13.0 cm (4.7–5.1 in) total width including spout
9. Weight: Approx. 220–280 g
10. Markings: Toshio Kinjo incised artist mark ("ト") present on the unglazed base ring
11. Quantity: One (1) individual ceramic vessel

Studio Craftsmanship & Markings

The underside of the vessel features Toshio Kinjo's signature artist mark ("ト") etched directly into the clay base. The precise hand-carving, cobalt glaze splash around the spout base, and rich iron oxides highlight traditional Yomitan pottery techniques.

Note: Minor variations in glaze flow, pinholes, firing specks, and surface texture are natural characteristics of hand-carved studio ceramics.

Care & Handling

1. Hand-wash gently using lukewarm water and a soft cloth.
2. Avoid harsh abrasive pads or chemical cleaners to preserve glaze integrity.
3. Not designed for dishwasher or microwave use.
4. Allow the vessel to air dry completely before storing.

Shipping & Collector Guarantee

1. Domestic & Global Shipping: Expertly packaged with specialized protective materials designed for delicate ceramic art.
2. International Orders: Shipped via secure express courier services. Import duties, taxes, and local destination charges are the responsibility of the purchaser.