{"product_id":"shokki-001","title":"Mudskipper Chopstick Rests – Nabeshima Ware | From a Kiln Visited by Japan’s Imperial Family","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"114\" data-start=\"34\"\u003eMudskipper Chopstick Rests – Nabeshima Ware by Aoyama | Set of 5 with Wooden Box\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"345\" data-start=\"116\"\u003eThese charming mudskipper-shaped chopstick rests bring a touch of humor and warmth to your table.\u003cbr data-end=\"216\" data-start=\"213\"\u003eEach piece is individually hand-painted by the skilled artisan \u003cstrong data-end=\"289\" data-start=\"279\"\u003eAoyama\u003c\/strong\u003e, showcasing subtle variations in expression and detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"540\" data-start=\"347\"\u003eWhether used as functional tableware or displayed as decorative pieces, these unique rests capture the playful spirit of the mudskipper—an iconic creature from the tidal flats of Kyushu, Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"611\" data-start=\"542\"\u003ePackaged in a beautiful wooden box, they also make an excellent gift.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"616\" data-start=\"613\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"638\" data-start=\"618\"\u003e Set Includes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"686\" data-start=\"641\"\u003e5 mudskipper-shaped ceramic chopstick rests\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"724\" data-start=\"689\"\u003eComes in a traditional wooden box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"772\" data-start=\"727\"\u003eHandcrafted and signed by the artist \u003cem data-end=\"772\" data-start=\"764\"\u003eAoyama\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"777\" data-start=\"774\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"799\" data-start=\"779\"\u003eSize \u0026amp; Weight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"827\" data-start=\"801\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"825\" data-start=\"801\"\u003e[Per Chopstick Rest]\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"882\" data-start=\"830\"\u003eApprox. 9.6 × 2.8 × 2.7 cm (3.78 × 1.10 × 1.06 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"914\" data-start=\"885\"\u003eWeight: approx. 38g (0.08 lb)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"953\" data-start=\"916\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"951\" data-start=\"916\"\u003e[Wooden Box (Outer Dimensions)]\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1010\" data-start=\"956\"\u003eApprox. 16.4 × 11.5 × 4.8 cm (6.46 × 4.53 × 1.89 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1043\" data-start=\"1013\"\u003eWeight: approx. 366g (0.81 lb)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: New \/ Unused\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"998\" data-start=\"995\"\u003eThis item is in pristine condition and has never been used. It comes in its original wooden box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"617\" data-end=\"954\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" height=\"266\" width=\"351\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0635\/0946\/3127\/files\/img20250704_14411130.jpg?v=1751607868\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"617\" data-end=\"954\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" height=\"264\" width=\"348\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0635\/0946\/3127\/files\/img20250704_14431527.jpg?v=1751607870\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNabeshima ware was historically created as an exclusive gift for the Japanese Imperial family and high-ranking nobles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis piece is crafted by Ryu Aoyama, a ceramic artist from the esteemed Aoyama kiln, which has had the honor of welcoming members of the Japanese Imperial Family—including Crown Prince Akihito, Princess Michiko, and Prince Takamatsu.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"483\" data-end=\"638\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlease note: The original informational leaflet is not included in this specific item, but a related document from the same kiln is available as reference.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"777\" data-start=\"774\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"108\" data-end=\"138\"\u003eWhat is Nabeshima Ware?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"140\" data-end=\"364\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"140\" data-end=\"158\"\u003eNabeshima ware\u003c\/strong\u003e (鍋島焼, Nabeshima-yaki) is one of the most refined and prestigious styles of Japanese porcelain,\u003cbr data-start=\"253\" data-end=\"256\"\u003eoriginating in the 17th century under the patronage of the \u003cstrong data-start=\"315\" data-end=\"333\"\u003eNabeshima clan\u003c\/strong\u003e in \u003cstrong data-start=\"337\" data-end=\"356\"\u003eSaga Prefecture\u003c\/strong\u003e, Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"366\" data-end=\"662\"\u003eUnlike other porcelain that was widely traded, Nabeshima ware was \u003cstrong data-start=\"432\" data-end=\"511\"\u003estrictly reserved for the Japanese Imperial Family and the ruling shogunate\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cbr data-start=\"512\" data-end=\"515\"\u003eProduced in small quantities by elite craftsmen, these ceramics were considered the highest expression of Japanese aesthetic and technical mastery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"664\" data-end=\"667\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"669\" data-end=\"695\"\u003eDistinctive Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"699\" data-end=\"767\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"699\" data-end=\"732\"\u003eExtremely fine porcelain base\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a clean, milky-white glaze\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"770\" data-end=\"885\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"770\" data-end=\"809\"\u003eHand-painted with intricate designs\u003c\/strong\u003e, often involving traditional motifs like flowers, animals, and landscapes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"888\" data-end=\"972\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"888\" data-end=\"921\"\u003eSymbol of prestige and status\u003c\/strong\u003e, traditionally not available to the general public\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"974\" data-end=\"977\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"979\" data-end=\"1015\"\u003e \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"979\" data-end=\"1015\"\u003eA Legacy of Imperial Elegance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"944\" data-end=\"1199\"\u003eRyu Aoyama, a modern ceramic artist in the Nabeshima tradition, continues the legacy of his family kiln, Seizan Kawazoe—which has had the honor of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1091\" data-end=\"1102\"\u003ehosting\u003c\/strong\u003e members of the Japanese Imperial Household, including Crown Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"1069\" data-start=\"1066\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"162\" data-start=\"134\"\u003eWhat is a Mudskipper?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0635\/0946\/3127\/files\/25.png?v=1751608415\" alt=\"\" width=\"451\" height=\"250\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"331\" data-start=\"164\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-end=\"182\" data-start=\"168\"\u003emudskipper\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem data-end=\"215\" data-start=\"184\"\u003eBoleophthalmus pectinirostris\u003c\/em\u003e) is a quirky, amphibious fish native to the tidal flats of \u003cstrong data-end=\"292\" data-start=\"275\"\u003eKyushu, Japan\u003c\/strong\u003e, especially the \u003cstrong data-end=\"323\" data-start=\"309\"\u003eAriake Sea\u003c\/strong\u003e region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"565\" data-start=\"333\"\u003eKnown for its large eyes, wide mouth, and the ability to \"walk\" or \"hop\" on land using its pectoral fins, the mudskipper has become a beloved symbol of \u003cstrong data-end=\"499\" data-start=\"485\"\u003eresilience\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-end=\"517\" data-start=\"501\"\u003eadaptability\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong data-end=\"538\" data-start=\"523\"\u003eplayfulness\u003c\/strong\u003e in local Japanese culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"827\" data-start=\"567\"\u003eIn the Saga and Kumamoto prefectures, mudskippers are not only ecological icons but also featured in regional crafts, cuisine, and folklore.\u003cbr data-end=\"710\" data-start=\"707\"\u003eTheir endearing, almost cartoon-like appearance makes them a favorite subject in traditional and modern Japanese art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"832\" data-start=\"829\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"850\" data-start=\"834\"\u003eSymbolism\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"906\" data-start=\"854\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"868\" data-start=\"854\"\u003eResilience\u003c\/strong\u003e: Survives both on land and in water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"973\" data-start=\"909\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"916\" data-start=\"909\"\u003eJoy\u003c\/strong\u003e: Its hopping motion brings to mind energy and optimism\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1064\" data-start=\"976\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"990\" data-start=\"976\"\u003eUniqueness\u003c\/strong\u003e: Native only to specific parts of Asia, making it a rare cultural motif\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"1069\" data-start=\"1066\"\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-end=\"1241\" data-start=\"1071\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1241\" data-start=\"1073\"\u003eBy turning this whimsical creature into a fine porcelain chopstick rest, artist Aoyama bridges the world of traditional craftsmanship with local storytelling and charm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e","brand":"MIS Art Collection","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41794911862871,"sku":"shokki-001","price":33.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0635\/0946\/3127\/files\/IMG_84912.jpg?v=1751610621","url":"https:\/\/yfecq6-pf.myshopify.com\/products\/shokki-001","provider":"MIS Art Collection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}