Kasuke Hakuji Mizusashi Sometsuke Taikodō Karakoashi

Exquisite handmade and hand-painted blue and white mizusashi. A mizusashi (“water container”) is a lidded vessel used in the Japanese tea ceremony. It holds fresh, cold water that the host uses to replenish the kettle and to rinse utensils during the ceremony.

The mizusashi features scenes of playful children, a motif rooted in Chinese symbolism. During the Ming Dynasty - a time marked by war and invasions from outside tribes - constant conflict led to a significant drop in the population. As a result, children came to be deeply cherished. The term karako, meaning "Tang child," became a symbol of innocence and good fortune, and images of children grew popular as hopeful, lucky motifs.

The blue and white pottery is called "sometsuke". Sometsuke is a technique Chinese potters have been using since the 12th century. In Japan, it was introduced in the 17th century. The technique involves painting a design or picture with cobalt-rich, blue pigment on white, bisque-fired porcelain. The porcelain is then coated with transparent glaze and fired again.

About the artist, Yokoishi Kasuke:
13th Generation Yokoishi Kasuke (b. 1939) is a master ceramic artist of the Hirado ware tradition, born into the long-established Kasuke family of potters. The Kasuke lineage spans multiple generations, known for producing refined porcelain and tea utensils.
Trained from the age of 14 under the 12th-generation Kasuke and educated at Arita Technical High School, he went on to gain recognition at major exhibitions, including the Mainichi Ceramic Art Exhibition and the prestigious Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition.
In 1984, he succeeded to the title of 13th Generation Kasuke, continuing the family legacy while dedicating himself to the quiet refinement of his craft, particularly in the field of teaware.

About Hiradoyaki:
In the 17th century, the Hirado daimyo family established a village of Korean potters and utilized their kilns to produce high-quality porcelain ware, which was then presented as diplomatic gifts to other lords, the shogun, or even the emperor.
The Hirado kilns became renowned for their white and celadon glazed porcelain.

The mizusashi comes in a paulownia wood box signed by the artist.

Place of Origin: Nagasaki Pref. Japan

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