[Kutani Ware] Handmade Pair of 2.5-go Owls

🐈 [Kutani Ware] Handmade Pair of 2.5-go Owls — Together in Harmony, Blessed with Joy, Accompanied by Wisdom! 🌟 Owls are revered as symbols of good fortune globally. In Japan, however, they carry particularly auspicious meanings, making them highly popular talismans for attracting luck: - Japanese Homophones: Often associated with "不苦労" (fuku rō - no hardship, no worries) and "福来朗" (fuku ra rō - good fortune arriving). - Auspicious Meanings: Further wishes include "福来" (fuku rai - good fortune arrives), "福籠" (fuku kago - good fortune filling a basket), and "福老" (fuku rō - happy and long life). - Guardian Symbolism: As nocturnal creatures, owls are also seen as household guardians or night watchmen in Japan. Their ability to see in the dark symbolizes foresight and wisdom. - International Significance: Abroad, owls are celebrated as "gods of wisdom," "gods of arts and literature," and "guardians of the forest." - Symbolism of a Pair: The design of a "pair" specifically highlights the wish for eternal harmony, acting as guardians for marital fulfillment and enduring companionship. 💎 In-depth Look at Kutani Ware Craftsmanship: The "Mori" (盛) Technique [Technique Overview and Visual Characteristics] The distinctive painting technique seen in Kutani Ware ornaments, known as "Mori," features a highly individualistic design style. At first glance, these condensed, densely applied patterns might leave a unique, even striking impression. However, upon closer appreciation, the motifs rendered with this technique reveal a solemn yet brilliantly luxurious aesthetic. It is said that this technique rapidly gained popularity during the Meiji era due to its extensive use in works exported overseas. [Unveiling the Crafting Process] The creation process for the "Mori" technique is quite special: - Painting Tools: Instead of brushes, decorating bags (similar to those used by pastry chefs for frosting) are employed for painting. - Special Pigments: The pigments are a creamy, special type known as "Mori-gusuri" (盛絵具). - Method and Skill: Artisans skillfully manipulate the subtle variations in pressure applied to the decorating bag to create elaborate patterns, resulting in a remarkable presence. - The Ultimate "Luxurious" Technique: Because the metal tips of the decorating bags wear down and enlarge with continuous use, artisans must frequently replace the tips to draw uniform and beautiful lines. Consequently, the "Mori" technique is considered an extremely luxurious and costly method. 💖 The Perfect Choice for Memorable Gifts Kutani Ware owls have rapidly emerged as classic good-luck charms in recent years. With their perfectly rounded forms and auspicious meanings, this pair of owls is especially suitable for: - Wedding Anniversaries or Gifts: Wishing newlyweds or couples eternal harmony and a lifelong union. - Elder's Birthdays or Respect for the Aged: Presenting blessings of "no hardship" and "happy longevity." Choosing this piece, imbued with the meanings of "fortune" and "love," will make for a deeply memorable and precious gift. [About Kutani Ware] Kutani Ware (Kutani-yaki) is a traditional craft from Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, with approximately 360 years of history. Its characteristics include line drawing with cobalt blue "gosu" (呉須) and thick, layered coloring with five distinct colors: red, yellow, green, purple, and navy blue. This style is bold and ornate, with deep, rich colors, earning it the reputation of "Japan Kutani." [Specifications] Size: Width 8 × Depth 7 × Height 7.5 cm Material: Porcelain Origin: Made in Japan 📢 Important Information for Customers: [Kutani Ware] Ornament Purchase Precautions Please read the following carefully before purchasing to ensure your rights and understand the characteristics of ceramic ornaments: I. Uniqueness of Handmade Crafts and Product Variations (Not Considered Defects) Kutani Ware are artistic ornaments hand-painted and fired by artisans, possessing the following unavoidable characteristics: - Hand-painted/Coloring Marks: Colors, glazes, and pattern placement are hand-drawn, which may result in slight unevenness in coloring or pigment buildup (especially in the layered areas of the Mori technique). Due to the handmade nature, each owl will have unique, subtle variations in expression, gaze, and pattern depth. - Firing Marks: Minor black spots (iron in the clay), small air bubbles, pinholes, or slight glaze runs may be present. - Overall Variations: Colors, patterns, and shapes will differ slightly; the actual product shipped will be the definitive appearance. - Image Color Differences: The color of product images may vary slightly due to computer monitor settings; please refer to the actual product color. - Size Variations: Product dimensions are measured by hand, with an error margin of approximately 0.5-1 cm. Size charts may show slight discrepancies with actual product dimensions due to material, measurement starting/ending points, and human measurement methods. → Summary: The above are considered unique characteristics and the warmth of handmade crafts, and are not regarded as product defects. II. Daily Care and Prohibitions ※ Drop Prevention Reminder: Ceramics are fragile. Please handle with care, avoid heavy drops, and place on a stable surface. ※ Cleaning Method: It is recommended to gently dust with a soft brush or dry cloth. ※ Water Avoidance: Ornaments are not recommended for washing with water or prolonged immersion. ※ Electronic Device Prohibition: Absolutely do not place in microwave ovens, ovens, or dishwashers to prevent damage to the painted glaze. III. After-Sales Service and Return/Exchange Policy ※ Inspection Period Explanation: The inspection period is "not a trial period." Please unpack and inspect the item immediately upon receipt. ※ Defect Reporting: If the product has visible damage or significant defects, please take photos and contact customer service within 24 hours of arrival. ※ Return/Exchange Restrictions (Non-Defects): Due to the nature of handmade products (refer to point I) and your confirmation of size and style before purchase, returns or exchanges will not be provided for these reasons after sale (excluding incorrect items or significant defects). ※ Impact on Return Rights: If the product has been opened, used, or disassembled, resulting in a loss of completeness and resale value, your return rights will be affected. We apologize for any inconvenience, but returns cannot be accepted if the item is stained, if tags are removed or damaged, or if accessories are missing.