Dragonfly Motif Tada Ware Tea Bowl by Unkei II - Katsumushi Chawan with Signed Box

Experience Authentic Japan Art with this Dragonfly Motif Tea Bowl. This Tada Ware Chawan serves as a Japanese Matcha Bowl and Unkei II Ceramic Art, featuring Katsumushi Design symbolism and Sage Green Glaze—a must-have for any Art Collector seeking Victory Symbol Pottery and Samurai Heritage Art.

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🔹 [ BASIC DETAILS ]

• Artist: Unkei II (二代雲渓)
• Technique: Incised dragonfly (katsumushi) design with ash glaze
• Era: Contemporary (Showa–Heisei period)
• Origin: Tada, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
• Dimensions: Height approx. 6 cm, Diameter approx. 14.5 cm
• Box: Signed tomobako (共箱) with certificate
• Condition: Bowl unused; box shows minor wear

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🔹 [ CULTURAL & ARTISTIC INSIGHT ]

The dragonfly (勝虫, katsumushi, literally "victory insect") holds profound significance in Japanese culture, particularly among the samurai class. Because dragonflies only fly forward and never retreat, they became powerful symbols of courage, strength, and victory—earning them a cherished place in martial aesthetics.

Unkei II's interpretation from the historic Tada ware tradition captures this symbolic creature with elegant economy. The incised lines suggest the dragonfly's delicate wings without literal representation, inviting the viewer to complete the image in imagination.

*"Forward only, like the autumn dragonfly—victory lives in unwavering resolve."*

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🔹 [ DEEP-DIVE COMMENTARY ]

**The Katsumushi Tradition**: Samurai warriors favored dragonfly motifs on armor, helmets, and tea utensils as talismans of victory. The creature's association with martial success made it especially appropriate for tea gatherings before battle or to celebrate triumph.

**Technical Achievement**: The sage-green ash glaze creates a soft, contemplative surface that contrasts beautifully with the linear incised decoration. The wide, shallow form is characteristic of summer tea bowls (natsu-chawan), allowing the tea to cool pleasantly.

**Collector Significance**: Unkei II continues a distinguished lineage of Tada ware potters. This second-generation artist maintains traditional techniques while bringing fresh interpretation to classical motifs.

**Contemporary Practice**: The shallow form and cooling properties make this ideal for warm-weather tea gatherings. The victory symbolism also makes it meaningful for celebrations, graduations, or gifts marking personal achievements.

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🔹 [ 日本語解説 ]

【基本情報】
• 作家：二代雲渓
• 技法：線刻勝虫文・灰釉
• 時代：現代（昭和〜平成）
• 産地：兵庫県多田
• 寸法：高さ約6cm、口径約14.5cm
• 付属：共箱・説明書
• 状態：茶碗未使用、箱に若干の傷み

【解説】
勝虫（かつむし）とは蜻蛉の別名で、前にしか進まないその習性から、武士の間で勝利の象徴として珍重されました。甲冑や茶道具に好んで用いられた吉祥文様です。

二代雲渓による本作は、多田焼の伝統を継承しながら、線刻技法で蜻蛉を表現しています。灰緑色の穏やかな釉調と、浅く開いた夏茶碗の形状が涼やかな印象を与えます。

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🔹 [ SHIPPING & PACKAGING ]
• Dispatch: Within 1-6 business days
• Carrier: Japan Post EMS / UPS (with tracking)
• Packaging: Carefully wrapped with protective materials

*The dragonfly knows only forward—in its flight, the samurai found his mirror.*