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Seven Lucky Gods Rabbit Tea Bowl by Okada Yu

Seven Lucky Gods Rabbit Tea Bowl by Okada Yu

Regular price ¥165,000
Regular price Sale price ¥165,000
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Width: 11.5cm Height: 8.5cm

Tea bowl with a rabbit design of the Seven Lucky Gods by Masaru Okada -- "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, which have been familiar since ancient times as "boats that bring good fortune," replaced by adorable rabbits. Rabbits are considered messengers of the moon and are also symbols of leaps forward, prosperity of descendants, and good fortune. The protection of the Seven Lucky Gods is added to this, creating 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, black hats, and a fishing rod for sea bream Prosperous business and big catch
Daikokuten Red coat, mallet and sack Abundant harvest and wealth
Bishamonten Navy blue robe, holding a pagoda Protection from misfortune and luck in games
Benzaiten Purple robes, bamboo flutes instead of biwa Artistic achievement and wealth
Fukurokuju Wearing a yellow robe and carrying a scroll, he represents longevity Popularity and longevity
Jurojin Wearing brown clothes and carrying a walking stick and a peach healthy long life
Hotei-son Zhu Yi, carrying a big bag Tolerance and fertility

The rabbits are rhythmically depicted around the outside of the body, joyfully marching along. Golden flowing lines of wind connect the rabbits together, emphasizing the dynamism of the procession. Thin ridges surround the rabbits, reminiscent of a moonlit path on a dark road.


The beauty of color and brushwork

The white, vermilion, green and navy blue overglaze paint stands out vividly against the calm grey glaze. The outline is tightened with light and dark ink, and the pattern on the robe is subtly dotted with gold paint, shining faintly under the tea ceremony lights. Amidst the cuteness, the brushwork shines with the refinement and elegance of Kyoto ware painting.


Key points of the design

The slightly lower base gives a sense of stability, while also making the overall silhouette look light.

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

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


Auspicious background

The Seven Lucky Gods are representative of the lucky charms 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 appear widely in picture scrolls and toys, including the "Choju-giga" (Cartoon Paintings of the Choju), and are considered lucky charms that represent leaps and leaps. This work combines the two, creating a "little lucky boat" that brings playfulness and congratulations to the modern tea ceremony.


Combination and usage

scene Interest One-liner performance
Early Spring Light Tea Perfect for the New Year's "Hatsugama" ceremony. The contrast between the pale ash glaze and the painted painting makes the green of the matcha stand out even more. Pair it with a gorgeous tea caddy and a gold lacquer tea scoop to create a bright and cheerful atmosphere.
Children's festivals It is a celebration to pray for the growth of the family, such as Boys' Day and Girls' Day. The leaping rabbit symbolizes a leap into the future. The dried sweets are accompanied by chitose-ame and kabuto-shaped rakugan rice crackers, making for a celebratory tea ceremony for parents and children.
Celebration gift It is an ideal gift for housewarmings, weddings, etc., that conveys good fortune and leaps. It will be appreciated if you add a strip of paper with the words "leap forward in good fortune" to the gift box.

Conclusion

A procession of Seven Lucky Gods rabbits hopping around in the moonlight - behind the heartwarming scene of the Seven Lucky Gods Rabbit Tea Bowl is the wish for "good fortune," "longevity," and "progress" that Japanese people have sought since ancient times. Every time you place the bowl in your palm and slowly turn it, the rabbits will run 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
Learned pottery techniques for three years under Mr. Kozo Kawashima, a member of the Sodeisha Society.
In 1987, he became independent and established a kiln in Sumiyama, Uji City.
Since 2018, he has been a judge for the Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition.
2022 Japan Traditional Crafts Ceramics Division Exhibition, Judge

<Main winning entries>
Japanese Traditional Crafts Exhibition, Japanese Ceramic Art Exhibition
Kikuchi Biennale,
Contemporary Tea Ceremony Exhibition
Chozo Award 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: The Northern Confectionery Utensils Exhibition (Excellent Award)
2002, Kyoto Ware, Kiyomizu Ware Exhibition (KBS Kyoto Broadcasting Award)
2003, Bonsai Pottery Exhibition (Encouragement Award)
2008, Japan Traditional Crafts Kinki Exhibition (Nikkei Newspaper 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 Ceramic Art 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 Ceramic Exhibition (Grand Prize, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award), etc.

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

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