*会津本郷焼　窯元　流紋焼Aizu Hongo Ware, Kiln, Ryumon Ware The origin of Aizu Hongo Ware dates back 420 years ago, when Lord Gamo Ujisato ordered tiles to be fired during the renovation of the current Tsuruga Castle. In the time of the later feudal lord Hoshina Masayuki, the tea ceremony became popular, and the potters Mizuno and Sato, originally from Seto in Mino Province, were invited to fire utensils for the ceremony. They were given stipends and were searching for good quality soil when they discovered Matoba clay in Aizu Hongo. A few years later, they discovered Okubo pottery stone, and had them fire good quality tea utensils, utensils, and pots using this as the main raw material, which they then paid to the local government. Later, the feudal lord established a magistrate's office in Aizu Hongo and made a strong effort to make it into an industry for the domain, but when the magistrate's office was abolished, the craftsmen were given leftover soil and tools, so they built their own kilns and began making pottery, which marked the beginning of the kiln. Aizu Hongo ware includes earthenware (pottery) that follows the tradition of tile ware, and stoneware (porcelain) made from Okubo pottery stone. Stone-based pottery is famous as the only porcelain production area north of the Kanto region. At the height of Aizu Hongo ware's popularity, there were over 110 kilns, both large and small. It is said that there was not a day that went by without smoke rising from a climbing kiln somewhere. *弓田道雄April 1971: Started making pottery May 1977: Won an award at the Aizu Comprehensive Art Exhibition June 1977: Won an award at the Fukushima Prefectural Art Exhibition September 1979: Won the Kahoku Prize, the highest award, at the Tohoku Contemporary Craft Art Exhibition March 1980: Selected for the Japan Contemporary Craft Art Exhibition (selected 20 times until 2001) May 1981: Won the Mayor's Award at the Aizu Comprehensive Art Exhibition (currently invited and serving as a judge) September 1981: Won the Member's Award at the Tohoku Contemporary Craft Art Exhibition June 1988: Won the Prefectural Art Grand Prize at the Fukushima Prefectural Art Exhibition (currently invited and serving as a judge) October 1988: Won a prize at the 20th Nitten Exhibition (selected 10 times since then) April 1990: Won the Encouragement Award at the 10th Tenten Exhibition March 1991: Won the Contemporary Craft Art Award at the Japan Contemporary Craft Art Exhibition November 1992: Won the Governor's Award at the 1st Kahoku Exhibition November 1993: Won the Encouragement Award at the 93rd Kanazawa Craft Art Exhibition March 2000 Recommended as a member of the Nitten Association. March 2000: Nitten Association Members Memorial Ceramics Exhibition at Yamabiko in Mishima November 2001: First time selected for the 33rd Nitten Association Members Exhibition. February 2013: Yumita Michio passes away. Nitten Association Member Full member of the Contemporary Crafts and Artists Association Member of the Fukushima Prefecture Artists Association Member of the Aizu Art Association Honorary member of the Aizu Crafts Renewal Association Size4.2*7cm Shipping by Japan Post in a very fast delivery with tracking number. Condition: good condition, there are stains, wear-off, scratches due to aging, please also look at the listing photo. Customs information Antique items have originally crease, stain, damage, and more. Hope costumers can refer to the listing photos, but please understand that it's difficult to show all conditions by the photos. Any other costs or charges such as customs or import duties, customs clearance and handling may also apply during the shipment of your lot and will be charged to you by the involved party at a later stage if applicable.