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 from natural Okinawan clay and fired in Yomitan Village, Okinawa, this handcrafted ceramic pot (teapot/pitcher 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 Pot (魚紋 水注 / 急須)

The iconic fish motif (魚紋) is a central hallmark of the Kinjo family's artistic language, reflecting Okinawa’s maritime soul through energetic, carved contours and expressive movement. Crafted in a classic rounded pitcher silhouette with an elegant arched spout, wide loop handle, flared collar neck, and fitted lid, the vessel features large hand-incised fish motifs carved directly into the clay body. Rich olive-iron glazes brush across white slip accents, highlighting the deep cobalt-tinted carved lines and warm stoneware texture.

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 master technique passed down through the Kinjo family.
3. Iconic Fish Motif (魚紋): Features Toshio Kinjo's signature hand-incised fish imagery on both sides of the rounded body.
4. Classic Spouted Form: Complete with a gracefully curved pouring spout, solid loop handle, flared neck rim, and fitted lid knob.
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 Pot (Suichu / Kyusu / Pitcher) / Fine Craft
5. Motif: Fish Motif — 魚紋 (Fish-mon)
6. Technique & Materials: Wheel-thrown ceramic clay with hand-incised carving, brushed white slip (hakame), and mineral glazes
7. Color Palette: Warm olive brown, ash grey, slate indigo, and natural stoneware clay
8. Dimensions (Height x Diameter x Width): Approx. 14.5–16.0 cm (5.7–6.3 in) height (including lid) x 11.0–12.5 cm (4.3–4.9 in) body diameter x 17.5–19.0 cm (6.9–7.5 in) total width from spout tip to handle outer edge
9. Weight: Approx. 650–800 g
10. Markings: Toshio Kinjo incised artist mark ("ト") present on the bottom underside base
11. Quantity: One (1) individual spouted ceramic vessel with fitted lid

Studio Craftsmanship & Markings

The underside of the vessel features Toshio Kinjo's signature artist mark ("ト") etched directly into the clay base prior to firing. The precise hand-carving, white slip brushwork, and rich iron glazes showcase traditional Yomitan pottery techniques.

Note: Minor variations in glaze pooling, surface crazing, pinholes, and firing marks are natural hallmarks of handcrafted Yachimun 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 all components (vessel and lid) to air dry completely before storing.

Shipping & Collector Guarantee

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