KOBEI Kiln "The Egypt 9 Glory Gods" Ornament - Bastet / 幸兵衛窯 青釉オーナメント
Founded in 1804 in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture, Kobei Kiln (幸兵衛窯) has long played a vital role in preserving the Mino ware tradition and once served as an official supplier to Edo Castle. Now led by the eighth-generation Kato Ryotaro (加藤亮太郎), the kiln has earned global acclaim—including recognition as a Living National Treasure—for its exceptional craftsmanship and revival of ancient techniques. The kiln continues to shape future artisans—each piece is handcrafted and hand-painted under the potter’s supervision, carrying the spirit of generations past while allowing for individual expression.
We had the honour of visiting their museum in early 2024 and were deeply moved by the generational dedication behind their work over the centuries.
Aoyu (青釉 Persian Blue) – The origins of blue pottery trace back to ancient West Asia, where copper-based glazes were used as early as the 3rd century BC. In Persian culture, this vibrant blue—revered as the “Mother Caspian Sea” colour—symbolised life and held sacred meaning for desert communities. Inspired by these ancient techniques, Living National Treasure Takuo Kato devoted much of his career to developing blue glazes, a legacy carried forward by Kobei Kato VII with his own interpretation in a softer, more translucent tone. This piece features Kobei kiln’s signature blue glaze, Aoyu, applied in 4 to 5 layers, then fired, detailed with gold, and fired once more. The result is a deep, lustrous finish that reflects both historical inspiration and meticulous contemporary craftsmanship.
Bastet
Part of the popular Egyptian Gods series, this piece depicts Bastet, the sky goddess known for her cat-like form. Revered as a guardian against evil spirits, Bastet is also associated with music and the protection of the home. Around her neck, she wears a pendant shaped like a scarab beetle—an emblem of the sun god and a symbol of protection and rebirth.
As the whole piece is handmade in Japan, slight irregularities in size, glaze, colour and texture might occur and reflect the nature of the artisan product.
■What's included? One (1) Ornament in a gift box
■ Made In Japan
■ Size: 6.7 cm x 8.5 cm x 16 cm (height)
■ Material: Pottery