Product Name
Fujii Kinsai Arita Japan - Sometsuke Six gourds / A horse from a gourd
(Good Fortune Auspicious Patterns) Ornamental plate 19.00 cm
吉祥文様 染付瓢箪から駒絵飾り皿(径19cm)
Design: Gourd and Horse (Auspicious Pattern)
Limited edition piece; includes a bookmark detailing the artist's ceramic career.
Signed by the artist. Comes in a wooden box.
All of our products are all handmade and hand painted by Master Fujii Kinsai,
therefore each individual item are slightly different each other.
*Sometsuke* (blue-and-white ware) is a technique in which a design is painted onto a porcelain body using *gosu*—a pigment primarily composed of cobalt oxide—before a transparent glaze is applied and the piece is fired at high temperatures to produce a deep, beautiful indigo hue. Originating in Arita ware approximately four hundred years ago, this style has evolved into one of Japan's most iconic forms of ceramic decoration. The shade of indigo varies subtly depending on factors such as the cobalt oxide mixture, the glaze, the porcelain clay, and firing conditions, resulting in a diverse range of expressions—from vivid blue and soft, pale indigo to a rich, evocative deep indigo. Appreciating these delicate nuances in color and the unique character they impart is a major part of the appeal of *sometsuke*.
This decorative plate is meticulously crafted—from the initial wheel-throwing to the final hand-painting—using the advanced techniques that underpin the long history and tradition of Arita ware. The design, rendered with delicate brushwork that reflects the artist's total concentration, possesses a presence akin to a fine painting, transcending its nature as a ceramic piece.
The pattern embodies the auspicious meaning of the proverb "a horse emerging from a gourd." This saying refers to the arrival of unexpected good fortune or the realization of something spoken half-jokingly, and the motif has long been cherished as a lucky symbol. The design—featuring the rounded shape of a gourd and a horse appearing from within—combines playfulness with auspiciousness, evoking a sense of joy and hope in the viewer.
Whether displayed in a *tokonoma* (alcove), entryway, reception room, or living area, this plate adds an air of elegance and splendor to the space, allowing you to appreciate the profound beauty of Japanese traditional craftsmanship. It is a masterpiece that harmonizes the time-honored techniques of Arita ware with the artist's unique sensibility, making it a truly valuable addition to any collection.
Furthermore, thanks to its auspicious motifs, this piece is highly appreciated as a gift for celebrations and special occasions. It is esteemed both in Japan and abroad as an item that conveys the essence of Japanese traditional culture and aesthetics, making it a versatile and high-quality choice for gifting. We invite you to cherish this distinguished Arita ware decorative plate, which beautifully combines Japanese artistry with auspicious symbolism.
Condition
Limited Edition Products by Master Fujii Kinsai Arita Saga Japan.
The number of each production are very limited
and we sell only AAA+ (Finest quality item only).
Plate Size
Height 2.7 cm (1.063 ")
Diameter 19.00 cm (7.48 ")
Delivery Time
We will ship your order within 10days.

