23439 Living National Treasure Miwa Kyuwa (Hagi-yaki lion figurine) MIWA Kyuwa

Height 24.0cm Width 32.0cm Depth 25.8cm

Born in 1895. Died in 1981. Originally from Yamaguchi Prefecture. From the age of 15, he began rigorous training in pottery under his grandfather Setsun and father Setsudo (9th Kyusetsu). In 1927, upon his father's retirement, he inherited the Miwa kiln and took the name Kyusetsu 10th. In 1956, he was recognized as a holder of the Yamaguchi Prefecture intangible cultural property "Hagi ware". In the same year, he was selected for the 3rd Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition for the first time. In 1957, he was selected as an intangible cultural property technician who should take measures such as creating records, and inherited the traditional Hagi ware techniques. In 1967, he handed over the Miwa kiln to his younger brother (11th Kyusetsu) and took the name Kyuka. In 1970, he was recognized as a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) "Hagi ware". In 1973, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Fourth Class, Gold Rays with Rosette. This work is a work that pays attention to even the smallest details, such as the bulging muscles. This is an impeccable masterpiece that has it all: technical ability, expressiveness, and size. You can practically hear the lion's roar.

*This piece was specially exhibited by a family on friendly terms with the Miwa family. This piece was never shown at an exhibition, and was carefully stored in the Miwa family until it was passed down to the 11th generation, Kyusetsu. The lion with the inscription "Kyuwa" is a very valuable piece.