Designer/Artist
Unknown

Description
Incredible piece of Tsuboya-yaki or Tsuboya ware which comes from the Okinawa region of Japan. Most likely from the Taisho period (1912-1926) when there was a resurgence of popularity of Tsuboya-yaki folk craft ware.

The icon of the angel fish is carved and glazed into the clay and seen swimming on a cream-glazed background with carved blue underwater details. The main body of the fish has been painted a rich terra cotta red with light blue highlights of his fins, gills, and part of his tail. His body has been dotted with green and his face portion has a light touch of translucent gold/brown gaze. The sides of the dish feature a beautifully carved and glazed pattern of vines and flowers which wrap the entire dish. The underside as you can see in the images is left unglazed which is an incredible reminder of where this piece began and was created from. The dish is in wonderful condition with no chips or cracks.

The history of this dish comes from Japan, where I had found it at an antique shop close to a neighbouring shrine.. Some 90 minutes or so by subway from Tokyo. Like all my items - they speak to tradition, quality, craftsmanship, history and sense of place. Items that are one of a kind. Holding some sensibility of mystery while also existing as a functional object. Items to enrich your life - to share a story with friends or family. When you own this piece it then becomes a part of your story, the narrative of your own life.

Condition
Vintage, ca. circa 1920’s Japan.

Measurements
W 16 CM H 4.5 CM