KOBEI Kiln The Egypt 5 Beauty Gods Ornament - Wenet / 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.
Wenet
Introducing the first release in the new, slightly smaller ornament series “The Five Beautiful Gods of Egypt.” Known as the “Swift God,” this blue-glazed figure embodies agility and keen hearing, qualities symbolised by its upright form and alert expression. Finished in a vivid, luminous blue reminiscent of ancient Egyptian faience, the piece is adorned with delicate gold detailing that enhances its calm yet dignified presence. Though small in scale, the ornament carries a quiet strength and elegance, making it a refined decorative piece that gently stands out while inviting you to welcome this new series of little deities into your space.
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: 7.4 cm x 7.4 cm x 13.1 cm (height)
■ Material: Pottery