Vintage Karatsu Chaire, Tea Caddy, Natsuaki Ryuichi, Sugitani Kiln, Ichuan, Omoigawa Honka Chaire, Karatsuyaki Chūkō Meibutsu Utsushi, Unused,
MC-112501
Natsuaki Ryuichi
Born in Saga in 1947, Sugitani Kiln, also known as “Ichuan”, is a Karatsu ware pottery studio 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, Natsuki 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.
The Karatsu Chūkō Meibutsu Hatakeyama Katatsuki Utsushi is a reproduction by Natsuki.
It is unused in excellent vintage condition consistent with age with original paulownia box.
As for Shifuku (made of silk), It is also unused in excellent vintage condition consistent with age.
We got it from our friend in Fukuoka.
We did not see any sign of use.
Measurement
Opening Diameter: 3.6cm / Approx. 1 27/64”
Body: 7.8cm / Approx. 3 5/64”
Tall without lid: 11.1cm / Approx. 4 3/8”
Tall: 11.5cm / Approx. 4 11/32”
Weight (Incl the Lid): 201g
Age: -2000s
Material: Earthenware, Pottery
Lid: Tomobuta, Original Lid
Shifuku: Silk
Color: Champagne, Vanilla, Cork, Dark Burnt Umber
Shape: Omoigawahonka (Karatsuyaki Chūkō Meibutsu Utsushi)
Shifuku pattern: Sasazuru Donsu (Kitamura Tokusai Fukusa-ten, Silk)
Shifuku cord: Normal length
Condition: Excellent vintage condition consistent with age (Unused)
* Original paulownia box
* Original Shifuku
* SHifuku name paper
* Cloth for protection
* No chips, no cracks, no scratches and no blemishes
* Inscription (Refer to No. 8 photo)
* Wood nails on the bow. (Refer to No. 10 photo)
* Slight discoloration on the box (Refer to No. 10 Photo)
* You may find “minor scratch” on the bottom (the base section of a tea caddy).
* Actual colors may vary due to the fact that every computer monitor, laptop, tablet and phone screen.
* Please purchase “Package Protection” for Fully Insured Service.
If you are very serious and sensitive on vintage items or looking for perfect items, please refrain from purchasing.
*** If you have any questions or need additional photos, please contact us. ***
