Keep it long, treasure it long.

A calligraphy tool and a beloved item

This zodiac water dropper from Kamide Choemon Kiln features a teapot-shaped water dropper with a standing horse, all four legs together. The small shape of the pouring vessel exudes both cuteness and dignity.

Water Droppers: A Beloved Item

Water droppers are calligraphy implements used to pour water when grinding ink on an inkstone. They have long been beloved as pets, and many people have enjoyed their beautiful designs. Water droppers are not merely practical items; they have also been treasured and appreciated by calligraphers and writers, as well as collectors and ceramic enthusiasts.

This zodiac water dropper uses the horse's curled tail as a handle, gently dripping water from its mouth. The horse's somewhat playful expression exudes the playful spirit characteristic of Kamide Choemon Kiln. While small and comfortable in the hand, these pieces quietly convey the practicality of stationery and tools, as well as the elegance of ceramic art, cultivated over a long history.

While these pieces are useful as tools, the small, palm-sized horse figures are also a soothing presence simply by being displayed. They are easy to display in any season, and are everyday items that add a touch of tranquility to everyday life.

Bringing Tradition to the Modern Age

Established in 1879 in Terai Village, Nomi District, Ishikawa Prefecture (now Terai Town, Nomi City, Ishikawa Prefecture), Kamide Choemon Kiln is a long-established Kutani ware manufacturer with over 135 years of history, specializing in the entire production process, from porcelain molding to painting. Their handmade, hand-painted products are characterized by vibrant overglaze painting, deep, vibrant dyeing, and, above all, their durable, beautiful fabric. This long-established, six-generation craftsman has recently embarked on a new initiative, crafting Kutani ware in a modern style. True to its roots since its founding in 1879, the craftsmanship preserves the traditional Kutani ware craftsmanship while maintaining colors, shapes, and hand-painted designs that fit modern lifestyles, creating pieces that grow a sense of attachment.

Kutani ware, a Representative of Japan

Like other pottery, Kutani ware began as a craft that was hand-shaped and painted by hand.
During the Edo period, the Maeda clan, lords of the Kaga domain, discovered pottery stone and began producing porcelain. They later studied ceramic techniques in Arita, Bizen, and expanded the scope of this traditional Japanese craft to include tea ware and other items. The clear white base, accented with a variety of patterns, makes Kutani ware both practical and visually appealing. The colorful designs stand out against the hard, glassy white of the porcelain.

Kamide Choemon Kiln is a kiln that has primarily produced and sold arts and crafts, Japanese restaurant tableware, and everyday tableware, and continues to uphold the traditions of Kutani ware.
Because it is hand-painted, no two pieces are alike. The designs change depending on the artisan who made them and the time of production, adding to the value of each piece.
Kamide Choemon Kiln says it is committed to hand-painting because it believes there is great potential in the human hand. People are overwhelmed by the warmth, familiarity, and flavor of handmade items, as well as the skill and precision they display. Believing that "whatever the era, the things created by humans have the great power to move hearts," Kamide Choemon Kiln continues to carefully produce and preserve hand-painted pottery.