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- 2005 Guests -
HELLO!
I have found and have evidence of the existence of the Abumi, or Samurai's ceremonial stirrups, that were given to and probably created for Tamura Gonzaemon by Goto Saijiro and bear the signature "Saijiro Made By Tamura" on the upper strap shank. I discovered these at a friend's gallery and was quick to see the names on it and realize that I had found evidence which I believe proves that Saijiro worked with and for Tamura during the renaissance of Japanese culture - these were made by the master craftsman and presented ceremonially for the infamous Tamura Gonzaemon a hero in Japanese culture.
I have been given the ability to act as a seller of these for my friend, and at a price that allows me to be able to act as a dealer for the sale of these with the expectation that we would both prosper from such a deal.
I have images and more to show anyone interested in procuring these and will be happy to take any and all offers seriously.
Also, if you have any sculptures from the Kutani kilns or know of any in existence besides the one in the Royal collection that was presented to the Emperor of Japan then as a cultural treasure, I would be very interested in knowing where I might find images of such art or pottery.
Also to the webmaster - please make it easier to contact you. I have made this comment only after not finding a way to contact you so as to ask permission to use the data that you have offered on your website, and to ask further questions.
joshuaelane@comcast.net
JOshua Edward Lane <joshuaelane@comast.net>
Seattle, WA USA - Thursday, February 10, 2005 at 19:02:03 (EST)
Hello, so far I have not found your email address. I inherited a teapot, sugerpot
and milkpot set from my mother, which is still in Santa Maria, California, where
she lived. My brother, David Paul Meyer, and I have been trying to find information
on these pieces, and Isee that he has already contacted you, since the teapot
is no. 1029 on your Database site. You date it 1920 - 40, but our mother said
that she had seen it in the 11th edition Encyclopedia Brittanica (1911), and it
DOES NOT have "Made in Japan" anywhere although it was clearly made for export.
Now, sadly, my brother has also died, and I must sell the pieces or have them
shipped here. Can you send me whatever information you send him? His final illness
and death were very rapid, but he stopped using his email some time ago when he
developed pneumonia. It is entirely possible that our mother had her facts wrong,
but I would like to be sure, and find the lack of "made in Japan " a mystery if
the pieces are really 1920 or later. Thank you in advance. Susan Litsios
Susan Litsios <susanlitsios@vtxnet.ch>
Baulmes, Vaud Switzerland - Sunday, January 09, 2005 at 02:36:54 (EST)
- 2004 Guests -
I was given a set of dishes with the seal kutani handpainted japan with what
looks like a volcano on it. It's looks like a silver volcano is on the plates
with what looks like birds, a water scene with little boats also tow huts with
trees in the back ground looks like a little island. I know the set is old as
it was my grandmothers and I am 62 yrs old. Can anyone help me identify this set.
thanks
joan <wjoleary142@cs.com>
USA - Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 14:52:21 (EST)
Dear Mr. Bouvier, I just wanted to let you know that it is delightful to have
found your website. My mother has about ten pieces of Kutani Ware dating, as far
as I can tell, from the Meiji period. Her parents collected it during the fifties
and sixties. I have always thought that these pieces were Japanese, but I was
not sure until now. I have a love for almost anything that is Japanese. Thank
you so much for your hard work in creating your website.
Gwen Marchant <Aphroditehoney@aol.com>
Mansfield, Oh USA - Friday, November 19, 2004 at 00:35:57 (EST)
Just had another fine time looking at all the kutani pics. Thanks again for
maintaining this site.
cwilliams <offonnowthenherethere@yahoo.com>
OKC, USA - Thursday, October 14, 2004 at 14:07:28 (EDT)
Nice site. Didn't find my mark there. It would be nicer if the marks pics had
dates under them.
cwilliams <offonnowthenherethere@yahoo.com>
USA - Thursday, September 30, 2004 at 07:31:09 (EDT)
I HAVE A KUTANI TEA SET WITH THE GEISHA GIRL AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CUPS BUT
I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT THE NAME OF THE PATERN, POSSIBLE YEAR IT WAS MADE AND
MAYBE A ROUGH VALUATION. CAN YOU HELP TO GUIDE ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION? THANK
YOU.
ADRIAN HINEY <a.hiney@ntlworld.com>
POOLE, UK - Monday, September 20, 2004 at 09:26:12 (EDT)
What an excellent site. Good history of Kutani and a very comprehensive virtual
museum with good images. You have made a very good reference source for Kutani.
Thank you.
Claire
Shelton, WA USA - Sunday, May 30, 2004 at 23:14:48 (EDT)
What exactly does a generic marking mean? I have a tea set it the kutani forum
"japanese tea set". So far all I know it has a generic mark. Can anyone please
help?
Tammy <tj_s_attic@yahoo.com>
CO USA - Wednesday, May 19, 2004 at 20:31:14 (EDT)
Brilliant site I was looking at a piece on ebay and now have all the info I
need . keep up the great work there should be more sites like this.
peter sullivan <pfsullivan@optushome.com.au>
turramurra, n.s.w. australia - Sunday, April 18, 2004 at 05:47:03 (EDT)
I came for a visit and was touched by your website Kutani ceramic.
If more people expressed themselves in the beautiful way you do through craft,
there would be that much more reason to enjoy places on the internet and learn
about culture and ideas and technology as unique as your home, just like tourists
who are visitors where I live on the east coast of Canada in the city of Halifax
on the Atlantic Ocean in the province of Nova Scotia. It is a beautiful Atlantic
province exemplified by its culture, History and heritage just like we bring out
the special part of each and every website we visited. We learn about the owner
and visiting their home on the web just like this tourist from the eastern coast
of Nova Scotia will be back to visit you again.
Take care and God Bless
Steve from City of Halifax, Nova Scotia in eastern Canada
Steve from Halifax City <city-of-halifax@yahoo.com>
Halifax , NS Canada - Friday, March 26, 2004 at 22:18:51 (EST)
Great website, it was actually quite helpful however I was wondering if you
had anything pertaining to a particular topic, say for instance Nature. I said
it was real helpful for.
Sabine
de, - Wednesday, March 24, 2004 at 10:37:24 (EST)
What a great site! ! ! Georges, you have added a great source of information
to the web. Congratulations on what is obviously a work of love and devotion.
Bob Drayer <bdrayer@cox.net>
Rumford, RI USA - Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at 01:33:46 (EST)
A Very comprehensive and useful site. Particularly for someone that knows as
little as me.
Walter Hare <walterhare@members.v21.co.uk>
England - Monday, March 15, 2004 at 14:49:27 (EST)
I have spent a lot of hours comparing my pieces with your information, and
I think I am addicted. This is the most comprehensive view of the many kinds of
Kutani I ever imagined. - It's GREAT.
g dunn <gldunn@concentric.net>
Cupertino, ca USA - Saturday, February 28, 2004 at 11:46:43 (EST)
I was very happy to come upon your website. I have been searching for a site
that could provide me with hallmark information. Although I am new to collecting
Japanese porcelains, I have found through your site, that I have pieces that are
much older than I first assumed. Thank you so much for the time and effort that
you put into your research.
Ramona DeVore <ypsibam@yahoo.com>
Brooklyn, MI USA - Saturday, February 14, 2004 at 16:03:54 (EST)
FANTASTIC!... STRAIGHT TO THE FAVOURITES! AS SOME KUTANI LOVERS MIGHT HAVE
FOUND, INFORMATION ON THIS "ARTWORK" CAN BE VERY HARD TO OBTAIN?.. INFORMATIVE..HELPFUL..GREAT
SITE ALL ROUND!! P.S. LOOKING FORWARD TO ANY UPDATES, PHOTO'S WOULD BE GREAT!
bunnykins <bunnykins@hotmail.com>
England - Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at 21:46:25 (EST)
I have a large collection of Kutani from various periods. I do not know the
details of each piece or set, but I would be happy to make digital pictures and
send them if that is appropriate.
Saul Schiffman <booksman@bellsouth.net>
RAleigh, NC USA - Friday, January 23, 2004 at 13:51:40 (EST)
A wonderful site. I just happened to enter Kutani on google and found you.
I have bought and sold many nice pieces of the fine porcelain over the years.
Thanks KUTANI ceramic is now in my favorites.
Tom Rouch
Ft Wayne, IN USA - Thursday, January 22, 2004 at 19:51:29 (EST)
Thank your for providing an English forum for Kutani ceramic lovers and collectors.
I have several pieces of red and gold Imari ware collected sporadically over many
years, including a small sake decanter, vase, and set of shoyu dishes. Hope to
send you digitized images soon.
Shirley Lin Kinoshita <silk@svpal.org>
Cupertino, CA USA - Monday, January 12, 2004 at 12:11:36 (EST)
- 2003 Guests -
I bought an unopened wooden barrell of Kutani marked dishware from a garage
sale in Omaha NEB in '85 that her uncle, a merchant seamen had brought back from
Japan in the 50's. The complete setting for 8 (minus 1 broken dinner plate) was
included plus sugar, creamer, serving bowl and platter. The pattern is gold and
silver delicate bamboo on very fine white china. The mark does not appear in your
gallery, I will photo it and send you a copy. the mark is very stylized, the words
above are "Hand Painted" and underneath is "bolded "FINE CHINA" the mark itself
is similar to the filgree scroll work in some of the other marks, with "Kutani"
in the center.
Lisa <loomzoom@sbcglobal.net>
Capitola, Capitola USA - Wednesday, December 31, 2003 at 11:17:35 (EST)
great site
maga <maga@aol.com>
lo, sa USA - Thursday, November 27, 2003 at 12:58:29 (EST)
I have a whistling jug and 6 little cups which I believe are used for Saki
(the rice wine), when you hold the little cups upto the light you see a very beautiful
Japanese woman. When you pour from the jug it whistles. The jug is marked underneath
with KUTANI (then a mountain top) and underneath HAND PAINTED JAPAN. It has a
cat suspended in porcelain in the centre, a bird on the top painted in gold on
the top and pretty oriental pictures with gold paint. I was given this set by
an elderly aunt who spent her married life in Hong Kong. Please could somebody
tell me the age/origion/current market value. Many thanks, Sarah.
Sarah Scott <sarah.scott@archant.co.uk>
Norwich, England - Friday, November 21, 2003 at 13:48:50 (EST)
Hello, I'm from Komatsu City. Thank you very much for sharing your deep love
and knowledge about Kutani. I was actually brought up surrounded with a variety
of Kutani ware as most of Kaga people were. I moved back to my hometown from Tokyo
one month ago and found your site when I began to rediscover the culture here.
Thank you again.
Michiko Owada <owadam2@r9.dion.ne.jp>
Komatsu, Ishikawa Japan - Friday, October 24, 2003 at 05:23:08 (EDT)
This is a very nice web site; easy to use, and quite informative. I collect
S&P Shakers, and just found a set of very nice lions on a nicely decorated pedestal;
they bear the Kosen, Kutani China, Made in Japan mark and are quite beautiful!
This is my first exposure to Kutani, and I found your web site very helpful
in finding out a little bit about the company. I have to admire the amount of
time and research you must've spent putting it all together. Keep up the Excellence!
Thank You!
Sara Nickerson <ciottinickerson@yahoo.com>Royal
Oak, MI USA - Friday, October 10, 2003 at 19:21:51 (EDT)
Thank you for such a wonderful web site, after months of trying to find out
about my Kutani vase, which I was told was made by Taniguchi, you have confirmed
it. Thank you and keep up the good work, its so much easier than learning Japanese
for myself!!!! Now I just need to find out what to insure it for.........any clues??
Bernice
bernice melrose <bernicemelrose@hotmail.com>
sydney, nsw australia - Tuesday, July 01, 2003 at 20:26:04 (EDT)
Your site is great!
Have a look at my Daruma-san of Kutani Pottery. Some are quite humorous.
http://www.amie.or.jp/daruma/Kutaniyaki.html
Have fun
GABI
Gabi Greve <gokuraku@po.harenet.ne.jp>
CHuo-Cho, Japan - Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 01:55:02 (EDT)
I have the complete collection of the Japanese: Seven Gods. These were purchsed
by my Family in the Early 1960's town of Fussa. I have no Idea of there value...
as some folks listed on this site have been asking about. I would not part with
them and they will continue to stay in the family. Our family collection includes
a 20" Strand of Yellow and Blue Pearls. A round short Black Lacquer (sp?)Tea Table
loaded with mother of pearl inlays and hand painted art as most all of these tables
were made. We also have a 4 panel all wooden screen that we clean with Linseed
Oil yearly. Also an original Hibachi Pot... now known as "The Big Green Egg".
Crackle Glass "Happy Gold Fish" that sits on its dorsal (sp?) fins with its back
arched down and head and tail setting upward. Wide open mouth and fantail... looking
very happy! Hand made white silk dolls about 6 or so in many different female,
male, grand parents and a double hanging salt buckets on a pole carried by an
elder couple. Too many more items to get into at this moment. Mike
Mike Garrison <megadude3@cox.net>
Paradise Valley, AZ USA - Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at 11:54:11 (EDT)
It is nice to find such an excellent site. The wealth of information contained
here is wonderful. Please keep up the good work.
David Saunders <c1walton@aol.com>
Ventura, CA USA - Monday, May 12, 2003 at 16:10:07 (EDT)
Been to this amazing city, Kanazawa. now I miss more my wife and kid there
after checking this page. More power and good luck to this site!
dingdong gecain <architect.gecain@ausi.com>
cebu, philippines - Sunday, January 12, 2003 at 11:47:54 (EST)
Thanks so much for your knowledge and efforts. Keep it up.
Clare Deahl <cwise-1@webtv.net>
Spokane, wa USA - Monday, January 06, 2003 at 21:12:34 (EST)
- 2002 Guests -
At last somewhere to look at and appreciate Kutani. I have collected for
over 30 years and now I can research the pieces that I have.
SANDY <sandy@silverstarholidays.com>
Caernarfon, Wales - Tuesday, December 31, 2002 at 09:38:50 (EST)
I have been looking everywhere for information on kutani. Thanks for all the
variety that lacks in so many other sites. Keep up the good work and I'll be sure
to share your site with my friends and family!
chantal lirette <lirette1@nb.sympatico.ca>
moncton, nb canada - Wednesday, October 02, 2002 at 20:39:02 (EDT)
This site is an asset to anyone who collects or sells Kutani. It is an informational
asset and adds value to Kutani wares through increased awareness and appreciation.
The West has much to learn about Kutani, which of course was not exported as widely
as Imari wares. Georges' web site opens the door to the amazing breadth and artistry
to be found in Kutani pieces. Sincere thanks, Georges, for the time and care you
have put into this wonderful web site.
Susan Hunt Levin <crzygardenr@aol.com>
Cleveland Hts., OH USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 09:11:57 (EDT)
I have recently come across several pieces of ole Kutani china with a silver
bamboo pattern. I could find nothing about it until I looked at your web site.
I think it is the same pattern that Julie referred to her question about her set
that was in the house fire. I am going to list these pieces on e-bay and also
wondered about what price I should start out at. If anyone can help, please let
me know. Thanks., Diana
Diana Brown <gracrob8@cs.com>
Charleston, WV USA - Saturday, August 24, 2002 at 15:59:30 (EDT)
I am interested in finding a certain pattern, it is a white or cream colored
background with gold around each plate, bowl, etc. Then it has a dragon and sea
urchins also in gold. I have not been able to find anyone that knows anything
about. Could you help?
Thanks,
Kathy Schenk
Kathy Schenk <billandkathyschenk@centurytel.net>
Wamic, or USA - Saturday, August 17, 2002 at 13:35:17 (EDT)
Hello: I just purchased two, small, incredibly detailed Kutani "genie" bottles,
with Japanese writing in red on the bottoms, but have no idea as to their age.
Don't know if they were made for export or for local use. I wanted to learn about
Kutani ware, so I typed "Kutani" in my web browser and your wonderful site showed
up. I am certain I will learn much and appreciate the ware so much more, thanks
to your dedication on this website. A grateful collector.
Terry Taylor <TerryKTaylor@msn.com>
Pomona, CA USA - Sunday, July 07, 2002 at 03:53:01 (EDT)
First let me begin by telling you how much information I have recieved from
your web site just tonight. Our family has many Kutani items and untill tonight
we didnt even have a name for the items we had..but they all are very special
to all of us in our family..come to find out i discovered through your web site
that what I had was called dragonware...thank-you so much and I have a few questions
I would like to ask you but i will ask those questions in your forum section...
Thank-you again
Deborah Lloyd
Deborah Lloyd <debbie92656@aol.com>
Memphis, Tn USA - Saturday, July 06, 2002 at 05:11:48 (EDT)
My wife was born and raised in Shikoku and has a Kutani tea set she received
in 1950s. Unfortunately we were unable to remember where she got it from exactly
and also are unable to identify the seal on the bottom of the tea pot from the
examples on your site. We need your help to figure out where it was made etc..Will
phot help or do you have someone that cane help. She just returned from Japan....
Vic Phillips/Kim Phillips <kimievic@aol.com>
Louisville, KY USA - Wednesday, July 03, 2002 at 12:33:31 (EDT)
This was a very interesting and helpful sight eventhough, i am still looking
to replace my Kutani teapot and matching cup that were broken in a move. If any
one can help please email me and I can send pictures. This set was purchased between
1966-68 when we lived at Tachikawa Air Force Base in Japan. The cups and pot have
an unidentified English marking on the bottom. There are pictures of 4 geisha
girls around the cups and pot, the picture of each girl is from the waist up and
each girl is wearing a brown kimono and each kimono has a raised squiggly design
two are brown designs, one design is green and the other is blue.
edith davis <editha_98@yahoo.com>
Hinesville, GA USA - Wednesday, June 26, 2002 at 21:35:59 (EDT)
Having had the opportunity to see various Kutani pieces over the years without
knowing very much about them (I'm a third-generation Angeleno - more than a bit
removed from my ancestors' homeland), it was a pleasant surprise to stumble across
this site. I now have a better understanding of why some pieces seem so quintessentially
Japanese, while others were, shall I say, merely garish.
I will visit often!
MTakasugi <MTakasugi@aol.com>
Los Angeles, CA USA - Monday, May 27, 2002 at 22:51:29 (EDT)
I have visited Ishikawa twice and spent three weeks in Kanazawa but didn't
have a chance to see any collections of Kutani Pottery.Perhaps next time.....
Thank you for such a beautiful and informative site.
Anne Hodgkin
Canberra, ACT Australia - Saturday, May 18, 2002 at 03:16:10 (EDT)
Visually beautiful and very informative
Barbara Tucker <barbaratucker@supanet.com>
USA - Thursday, May 02, 2002 at 08:54:19 (EDT)
日本語で書かせて頂きます。九谷焼を通して当時の日本の歴史背景がよく理解でき、大変感激致しました。本の出版を楽しみにしています。とってもすばらしいサイトです。
H. SASADA <sasachan@wanadoo.fr>
France - Saturday, April 13, 2002 at 14:22:56 (EDT)
This is the most comprehensive information in English for Kutani I have seen.
I am a dealer of Antiques Porcelain and often I recommend the collector and my
customer to see your site. Good luck for your future publishing book. I look
forward to see the published book too. Sincerely, Edward
Edward <sanai@pulse.net>
Dallas, Tx USA - Friday, April 05, 2002 at 21:37:31 (EST)
Thanks so much for this site. I recently bought a Kutani lithopane tea set
knowing absolutely nothing about Kutani. I am learning! My set was purchased by
the former owner in either 1946 or 1947 and packed away for all these many years.
The set is identical to what I find on these pages has an SPP mark but instead
has the Fujiyama symbol and "Hand Painted Japan." Mine possibly was meant for
export?
Pat O'Buck <spambuster@blackfoot.net>
Plains, MT USA - Friday, April 05, 2002 at 19:47:31 (EST)
Congratulations on this splendid and very useful site. I look forward to coming
back often.
Alan Dodson <adcside@aol.com>
Charmouth, UK - Wednesday, March 20, 2002 at 04:21:47 (EST)
Hello Georges! Un petit bonjour de France! Ce site est toujours aussi documente
et les photos sont formidables. Nous attendons la parution du livre avec impatience...
Michel TELLIER <telliermichel@wanadoo.fr>
BRICQUEBEC, FRANCE - Monday, March 11, 2002 at 03:50:54 (EST)
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