Vintage Karatsu Chaire, Tea Caddy, Natsuaki Ryuichi, Sugitani Kiln, Ichuan, Katatsuki Chaire, Unused,
Natsuaki Ryuichi
Natsuaki Ryuichi was born in Saga Prefecture in 1947. Sugitani Kiln, also known as “Ichuan”, is a pottery studio specializing in Karatsu ware, located beside the historic Sarayagama kiln site in Karatsu.
The name combines the old place name “Sugitani” with “Ichuan,” a phrase inspired by a Chinese proverb, chosen by Natsuaki’s late father.
Through his study of old Karatsu ware, Natsuaki Ryuichi was deeply drawn to the clay of Kitahata Village—long regarded as the ideal soil for traditional Karatsu pottery. After six years of training, he established his own kiln in 1974.
Guided by a spirit of “returning to the origin,” he personally gathers clay from the mountains and creates tea utensils, tableware, jars, and other works that reflect a quiet strength and authenticity.
Natsuaki’s pieces are made from the distinctive sandstone-rich clay of the Kishidake area, which he discovers through his own explorations. For his glazes, he even borrows rice fields after harvest to make straw ash glaze, always striving to stay close to the methods of early Karatsu potters.
He uses an electric wheel for throwing, yet shapes the foot rings by hand on a traditional kick wheel. Every few months, he fires his climbing kiln, tending the flames through the night.
Each piece, born from his belief in “returning to the origin,” carries a sense of care, patience, and integrity.
Every work reflects his deep respect for nature, tradition, and the timeless dialogue between earth and fire.
This Karatsu Katatsuki Chaire by Natsuaki Ryuichi is identified as a shoulder-shaped tea caddy on its original signed box (Tomobako).
It comes with its Tomobako (original signed paulownia box).
The silk shifuku is also unused and remains in excellent vintage condition.
We acquired it from a friend in Fukuoka.
There are no visible signs of use.
Measurement
Opening Diameter: 3.6cm / Approx. 1 27/64”
Body: 7.8cm / Approx. 3 5/64”
Height without lid: 11.1cm / Approx. 4 3/8”
Height: 11.5cm / Approx. 4 17/32”
Weight (including lid): 201g
Age: -2000s
Material: Pottery
Lid: Tomobuta, Original Lid
Shifuku: Silk
Color: Champagne, Vanilla, Cork, Dark Burnt Umber
Shape: Katatsuki Chaire
Shifuku pattern: Sasazuru Donsu (Kitamura Tokusai Fukusa-ten, Silk)
Shifuku cord: Normal length
Condition: Excellent vintage condition consistent with age. (Unused)
* Tomobako (original signed paulownia box)
* Original shifuku
* Retailer-provided information sheet
* Protective cloth
* No chips, cracks, scratches, or visible blemishes.
* Inscription (Refer to No. 8 photo)
* Wooden nails on the box. (Refer to No. 10 photo)
* Slight discoloration on the box. (Refer to No. 10 photo)
* The base of the piece comes into contact with surfaces, so minor contact marks may be present.
If you have any questions about the condition or would like additional photos, please contact us before purchasing.
