Jiro Kinjo Living National Treasure Tsuboya Okinawa Fish Water Dropper Tomobako For Sale

Living National Treasure of Japan: Authentic Tsuboya Okinawa Ceramic Calligraphy Water Dropper (Suiteki) with Carved Fish Motif by Master Jiro Kinjo with Artist-Signed Tomobako (Made in Japan)
Presenting an extraordinary, museum-caliber Japanese scholar’s desk object—a hand-thrown and carved ceramic calligraphy water dropper (Suiteki / 水滴)—crafted by Okinawa’s most legendary ceramic master and first designated Living National Treasure: JIRO KINJO (金城次郎, 1912–2004).
Adorned with Kinjo’s world-renowned carved fish motif (魚文) and bearing his signature incised hallmark \"次\" on the base, this compact masterpiece embodies the raw vitality, warmth, and timeless aesthetic of the Japanese Mingei (Folk Craft) MASTER OF RYUKYU POTTERY: JIRO Okinawa’s First Living National Treasure (人間国宝)Designated in 1985 as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property for Ryukyu/Tsuboya pottery, Jiro Kinjo gained international acclaim through his collaboration with Mingei pioneers Muneyoshi Yanagi, Shoji Hamada, and Kanjiro Kawai. His works are preserved in major modern art and ceramic museums worldwide.
2. The Iconic Carved Fish Motif (笑う魚 / 線彫魚文)- Dynamic Vitality: Kinjo\'s signature swimming fish—characterized by wide, curious eyes and energetic fin strokes—was carved swiftly into wet clay with bamboo tools, capturing the boundless life force of Okinawa’s coral seas.- Expressive Iron Brushwork: Bold strokes of iron-brown and cobalt blue underglazes pool beneath a warm, crackled ash glaze, creating irresistible tactile depth.
3. Revered Scholar\'s Studio Object (文房具 水滴)- Complete Scholar Function: Used by traditional calligraphers and painters to precisely dispense water onto the inkstone (Suzuri). Its ergonomic palm-sized shape and sculpted spout make it both an active artistic tool and a prestigious collector display piece.
4. Verified Master Signed Wooden Chest (共箱 Tomobako)- Direct Master Provenance: Complete with the original Japanese paulownia wood presentation box featuring hand-brushed kanji calligraphy reading \"壺屋焼 魚紋水滴\" and signed \"次郎\" alongside his official red cinnabar artist VERIFIED Master Potter: Jiro Kinjo (人間国宝 金城次郎 作 / 1912–2004)- Cultural Status: Living National Treasure of Japan (重要無形文化財保持者)- Origin: Tsuboya Ware (壺屋焼), Okinawa Prefecture, Japan- Type: Calligraphy Water Dropper / Suiteki (書道具 水滴)- Motif: Hand-Carved Fish & Water Motif (線彫魚文)- Dimensions: Approx. 7.5 cm × 8.0 cm × 3.5 cm (2.95\" × 3.15\" × 1.38\")- Weight: Approx. 100g- Base Inscription: Incised master mark \"次\" (Ji)- Inclusions: Original Artist-Signed & Stamped Wooden Chest (Tomobako)- Condition: Excellent Vintage Condition (Zero Chips, Cracks, or PACKAGING & SAFE historic ceramic treasure will be nestled in dense protective foam within its wooden presentation chest and double-boxed inside a heavy-duty outer carton to ensure 100% flawless transit worldwide.
An indispensable, investment-grade acquisition for collectors of Living National Treasure masterpieces, Mingei folk ceramics, and fine Asian scholarly antiques.