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Water jar with rabbit design of Seven Lucky Gods by Okada Yu

Water jar with rabbit design of Seven Lucky Gods by Okada Yu

¥330,000
¥330,000
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Width: 17.0cm Height: 17.3cm

"Seven Lucky Gods and Rabbit Water Jar" by Okada Masaru - A microcosm of the tea ceremony where playfulness and good fortune blend together

Okada Masaru's "Seven Lucky Gods and Rabbit Water Jar" is a piece that combines the auspicious qualities of the Seven Lucky Gods with adorable rabbits reminiscent of the Choju Jinbutsu Giga paintings . Amidst a tranquil scene created by the soft ash glaze, rabbits painted in gold and colored paint leap lightly, bringing both blessings and playfulness to the tea ceremony. Below, we will introduce the piece in detail from the perspectives of its history, technique, design, and use in tea ceremonies .

1. Historical Background - "Auspicious Images" and Water Jar

The Seven Lucky Gods spread as a folk belief from the Muromachi period through the Showa period, and were incorporated into annual events and craft designs as symbols of good fortune and prosperity.

The humorous animals depicted in the Choju Giga (Kyoto, Kosanji Temple) embody the Japanese concept of "playful beauty," and have been frequently referenced in overglaze Kyoto ware since the Meiji period.

By transferring these historical motifs to the "mizusashi," a tea ceremony utensil that represents purity, Okada Masaru has made the two virtues of happiness and longevity coexist in one vessel.

2. Techniques and Materials - A Combination of Ash Glaze and Gold Painting

This piece is the result of meticulous process planning, from the selection of materials to the finishing touches. First, the clay is made of semi-porcelain, with iron content kept to a minimum, and then shaped into a neat round pot on a potter's wheel. This optimizes the weight balance around the base, making it both light and stable when held in the palm of your hand.

A natural ash glaze made primarily from straw ash was selected for the glaze, and the color was slowly brought out through reduction firing. Where the ash accumulates on the glaze surface, jade-colored spots appear, creating a scene that seems to softly envelop the floating "golden clouds" embracing the rabbit.

After firing, the cloud pattern and the rabbit's costume were painted in detail using pure gold paint in addition to low-temperature red and green paint.By strictly controlling the temperature range so that the paint does not sink too much into the glaze surface, the contrast between the luster of the gold paint and the white fur of the rabbit stands out vividly.

The finishing touch is to create the shape of a leaping rabbit on the lid handle, emphasizing the design in three dimensions. The glaze is applied sparingly and the piece is fired to a matte finish, allowing the smoothness and warmth of the ceramic surface to be felt every time the piece touches the palm of your hand.

The four processes of clay application, glazing, overpainting, and picking come together to create a masterpiece that combines visual splendor with tactile comfort.

3. Deciphering the Design - Rabbits Playing the Seven Lucky Gods

Hotei : Holding a biwa, he lightens the mood with his music.

Bishamon Rabbit : A guardian deity who raises a flag and exorcises evil spirits.

Daikoku Usagi : Holding a mallet modeled after the magic mallet.

Ebisu Rabbit : Carrying a fishing rod, he prays for a good catch = a bountiful harvest.

Benzai Rabbit : Holding a scroll, he has achieved academic success.

Jurojin Usagi : Symbolizes longevity with a fan.

Fukurokuju Rabbit : Wears a tall hat and rules over good fortune and longevity.

In this way, the rabbits suggest "jumping" and each bears an attribute of one of the Seven Gods of Fortune. The composition of the rabbits frolicking in the sky against a scattered golden cloud background will bring a breath of auspiciousness to your tea ceremony.

4. Spirituality - a duet of play and prayer

Okada Masaru's creations are based on the idea that "true prayer resides in play." The rabbit's innocent movements bring the "merit of laughter" that relaxes the hearts of the owner and tea guests, while the power of the Seven Lucky Gods resides within it, making it a talisman that protects the entire tea room.

— Playfulness is the flip side of serious prayer.
Every time I pick it up, Mr. Okada's message quietly resonates within me.

The Seven Lucky Gods Rabbit Water Jar is a masterpiece of modern tea ceremony utensils, combining auspiciousness, humor, and wabi (traditional Japanese aesthetic ). It can be used as a decorative item for annual events, or displayed as an art piece in a modern space, illuminating the space with a warm and welcoming atmosphere as an "object that brings good fortune."

If you would like additional information such as dimensions, box name, price, etc., please feel free to contact us.

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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