[unga+gift] OTARU・KUTANI Wooden Model of a Lucky Goldfish

Among the items that the owners of the Kitamae-bune ships were fascinated by and transported to the northern regions was Kutani ware. Kutani ware originated in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, where many shipowners of the Hokuetsu-maru (North Sea merchant ships) resided. Many Kutani ware pieces, which were likely transported to Otaru by Kitamaebune ships at the time, still remain in the area, and their splendor reveals the lifestyle of the Kitamaebune shipowners and their lavish investment in art. Otaru Department Store UNGA↑ commissioned Mitsuhiro Mitsu, who learned Kutani ware in Ishikawa Prefecture and is currently active in Otaru, to create the "OTARU -KUTANI" series using wooden molds for confectionery and paints used in Kutani ware. This "Medetai" (congratulatory) object features a traditional dried fish cracker in the shape of a sea bream (tai), which is used at celebratory occasions, and comes in a box. This is an UNGA↑ original work full of playful spirit. We will deliver your order in an original gift box designed to evoke the image of the pure white sails of a Kitamae-bune (a type of Japanese sailing ship).

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◎ Size Approximately 140mm wide x 80mm high x 20mm thick

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Mitsuru Kazuhiro He studied Kutani ware in Ishikawa Prefecture for three years, and simultaneously studied under the potter Saichi Matsumoto, learning the techniques of pottery and porcelain making. Currently, he has a workshop in Otaru, and he makes his works using materials ordered from Ishikawa Prefecture. He also participates in special exhibitions at department stores and museums.

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Kutani ware originated in the early Edo period, when the first lord of the Daiseiji Domain, Maeda Toshiharu, discovered porcelain raw materials (kaolin) in Kutani Village within his domain while developing mines. Therefore, it is also called "Daiseiji ware" in addition to "Kutani ware." Later, Kutani ware produced during this period came to be known as "Old Kutani." Its unique style, characterized by striking color combinations of green paint and the "Aote" technique (where the entire surface of the vessel is vividly painted with color paint, leaving almost no blank space on the base), as well as the "Iroe" technique (where the motifs of the work are painted realistically and pictorially, with thick layers of the five colors of paint known as "Kutani Five Colors"—red, yellow, green, purple, and dark blue)—has earned it high artistic acclaim and continues to captivate many people even today. The old Kutani kilns ceased production after 50 to 60 years of activity, but the technology was quietly passed down locally, and in the late Edo period, the old Kutani style was revived in the domains of Daiseiji and Kaga. Kutani ware from this period is called "Re-established Kutani." From the Meiji to the early Showa period, the potters became independent, and the Kutani ware export industry flourished due to the industrial promotion of the Meiji government. However, after the Meiji Restoration, the kilns could no longer receive support from the domains, and they began to find their own way to survive. The craftsmen of the former Daiseiji Domain transformed from craftsmen to artists by improving the quality of their works, while the craftsmen of the former Kaga Domain began to produce a large number of red-painted Kutani ware for export to Europe and the United States. Since then, Kutani ware has established itself as a brand of traditional art and craft, and has come to be produced not only as "crafts" but also as "works of art" that transcend the framework of "crafts." Today, a wide variety of designs are created, from everyday items to tableware that enhances special occasions.

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We have carefully considered the memories and history of the town that prospered through the trade of Kitamade ships, and we will package your purchase in an original gift box inspired by the pure white sails of the Kitamade ships. We will wrap your purchase in original wrapping paper inspired by "Hiki-fuda" (advertising flyers), which were used as advertisements for shops and wholesalers from the Edo to Taisho periods, using old photographs of Kitamae-bune (North Sea ships). *Please note that we will wrap the item in uncolored wrapping paper for condolences. Please specify if you would like this option. If you would like a gift wrapping (Noshi), please fill in the following information in the "Remarks" section at the bottom of the shopping cart screen when making your purchase. 1. Please write "I want a gift wrapping" or "Gift wrapping desired". 2. Cover text (e.g., "Congratulations on your marriage," "Happy Birthday") 3. Name of the person giving the gift (your name, company name, organization name, etc.) 4. Type of water-tie (Please specify either "Kuzibiki" or "Cho-bushi") *If you do not fill in items 2, 3, or 4, the text will be left blank, and the ribbon will be tied in a butterfly knot.