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Seven Lucky Gods Rabbit Tea Bowl by Okada Yu

Seven Lucky Gods Rabbit Tea Bowl by Okada Yu

Regular price $1,063.00
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Width: 11.5cm Height: 8.5cm

Seven Lucky Gods Rabbit Tea Bowl (Shichifukujin Rabbit Tea Bowl) by Okada Masaru - "A bowl with a leaping rabbit, wrapped in the auspicious wind, that brings good fortune."

The concept of the work: The Seven Lucky Gods transformed into rabbits

This playful tea bowl depicts the procession of the Seven Lucky Gods, beloved since ancient times as "boats that bring good fortune," in the form of adorable rabbits. Rabbits are considered messengers of the moon and are also symbols of leaps forward, prosperity of descendants, and good fortune. Adding to this the protection of the Seven Lucky Gods creates a double auspiciousness that lifts the hearts of those who see it.

Design highlights

Seven Lucky Gods Rabbit costume and belongings Symbolic Good Fortune
Ebisu Green robes, eboshi hats, and a fishing rod for sea bream Prosperous business and bountiful catch
Daikokuten Red coat, magic mallet and large bag Abundant harvest and wealth
Bishamonten Navy blue robe, holding a pagoda Protection from misfortune and luck in games
Benzaiten Purple robes, Shinobue instead of Biwa Artistic achievement and wealth
Fukurokuju Wearing a yellow robe and carrying a scroll, he represents longevity Popularity and longevity
Jurojin Wearing a brown robe and carrying a cane and a peach healthy long life
Hotei-son Zhu Yi carrying a large bag Tolerance and fertility

The rabbits are rhythmically depicted around the outside of the body, joyfully parading. Golden flowing lines of wind connect the rabbits, emphasizing the dynamism of the procession. Thin ridges surround the rabbits, evoking the "path" of moonlight on a dark road.

The beauty of color and brushwork

The white, vermilion, green, and navy blue overglaze paint stands out vividly against the subdued grayish glaze. The outlines are drawn with shades of ink, and the patterns on the robes are subtly dotted with gold, shining faintly under the tea ceremony lights. The cuteness of the piece is accentuated by the refined and elegant brushwork of Kyoto ware painting.

Key points of the design

The slightly low base gives a sense of stability while also making the overall silhouette appear light.

The horizontal ridges on the body provide a good grip for the fingers and guide the color of the water outwards.

The slight distortion of the rim gives the handle a soft accent, suggesting the leaping of a rabbit.

Auspicious background

The Seven Lucky Gods are representative of the pictures of blessings and good fortune that were popular among the common people from the end of the Muromachi period to the beginning of the Edo period. On the other hand, rabbits are widely featured in picture scrolls and toys, including the "Choju Giga," and are considered lucky charms that represent leaps and leaps. This work combines the two, creating a "small lucky boat" that brings playfulness and celebratory spirit to the modern tea ceremony.

Combination and usage

scene Interest One-liner performance
Early spring thin tea Perfect for the New Year's "Hatsugama" (first tea ceremony). The contrast between the pale ash glaze and the painted design makes the green of the matcha stand out even more. Pair it with a gorgeous tea caddy and a tea scoop decorated with gold lacquer to create a cheerful atmosphere.
Children's festivals This is a celebration of wishes for the growth of family members, such as on Boys' Day and Girls' Day. The leaping rabbit symbolizes a leap into the future. The dried sweets are accompanied by chitoseame candy and helmet-shaped rakugan, making it a celebratory tea ceremony for parents and children.
Celebration gifts It is an ideal gift for housewarmings, weddings, etc., that conveys good fortune and leaps forward. It will be appreciated if you include a strip of paper with the message "Good Fortune" in the gift box.

Conclusion

A procession of Seven Lucky Gods rabbits leaping in the moonlight - behind the heartwarming scene of the Seven Lucky Gods Rabbit Tea Bowl lies the ancient Japanese desire for good fortune, longevity, and progress. Every time you place the bowl in your palm and slowly turn it, the rabbits will dash off in a new direction, bringing cheerful good fortune to your tea ceremony.

Biography
Born in Kiyomizu-Gojo, Kyoto
After working as a trainee at the Kyoto Prefectural Pottery Training School Molding Department and the Kyoto Municipal Industrial Research Institute
Studied pottery techniques for three years under Kozo Kawashima, a member of the Sodeisha Society
In 1987, he became independent and built a kiln in Sumiyama, Uji City.
Since 2018, he has been a judge at the Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition.
2022 Japan Traditional Crafts Ceramics Division Exhibition, Judge

<Major selected works>
Japanese Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Japanese Ceramic Art Exhibition
Kikuchi Biennale,
Contemporary Tea Ceremony Exhibition
Chozo Prize Ceramic Art Exhibition, Ceramic Art Exhibition,
Mashiko Pottery Exhibition,
Itami International Craft Exhibition
Hagi Grand Prize Exhibition,
Kobe Biennale
Contemporary Ceramic Art Competition, etc.

<Major Awards>
1998: Northern Confectionery Tableware Exhibition (Excellent Award)
2002, Kyoto Ware and Kiyomizu Ware Exhibition (KBS Kyoto Broadcasting Award)
2003, Bonsai Pottery Exhibition (Encouragement Award)
2008, Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition (Nikkei Shimbun Award)
2009, Otaki Hokkai Live Pottery Exhibition (NHK Broadcasting Award)
2010, Otaki Hokkai Live Pottery Exhibition (Hokkaido Shimbun Award)
2012 Kyoto Art and Craft Biennale (Grand Prize)
2013, Japan Traditional Crafts Ceramics Division Exhibition (Japan Crafts Association Award)
Kobe Biennale Contemporary Ceramic Art Exhibition (Second Prize)
2014: Invited to exhibit at the Gwangju Biennale
2016, Osaka Crafts Exhibition (Arts and Crafts Grand Prize)
2019 Osaka Crafts Exhibition (Second Prize)
2022, Arita International Ceramics Exhibition (Grand Prize, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award), etc.

Currently, he is a full member of the Japan Crafts Association and a member of the Ceramic Art Association.

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