Japanese Tsubojirozo (Tsubo Rō zō), Sometsuke Octopus Arabesque Curlicue Pattern Tokkuri by Tako Karakusa from Arita, Saga Prefecture | 1900s

Dimensions: 7-1/4"h x 5-1/4"dia.

This quintessential work shows the decorative Seto Sometsuke aesthetic, which is a Japanese term referring to the technique of decorating ceramics with different brushes to create a painted design, (One is drawing just the outline and the other is painting inside the outline which is called, “dami” in Japanese), to produce  dark blue contrasts in underglaze cobalt blue on a celadon glaze, (pale creamy gray-green). In Japan Sometsuke (literally “with dye”) resembles the textile dyed indigo blue coloration.

As seen in this RARE Tokkuri the object has rich in personality and variety due to the shading and brushstrokes. Octopus Arabesque Curlicues are a beautiful geometric classic pattern. The “Take-karakusa” forms beautiful geometric classic patterns within patterns, and cover the Tokkuri completely except for the collar and mouth. The bottom circular border is in the "kaminari" (lightning, thunder, thunder bolt), manner. The raised foot ring is decorated with one blue and one brown circular lines. In Japan, this method of porcelain ceramic decoration was first introduced in Arita at the beginning of 17th century. The piece is signed by the master ceramic artist Tako Karakusa, of the Artia Mushubi Kiln.

Condition: Superb outstandingly excellent, impressive, and beautiful . No chips, cracks, breaks, missing pieces or restoration, and retains its original details and finish. The piece meets all the standards of the collectible Japanese ceramics/Tokkuri.