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Around 1985 Fujita JuroemonVIII (1922-2008) was asked to make about 150 ohaguro (black toothening jars) by a patron who needed them to give to his wealthy Ginza clients. He went about the project and loaded his kiln four times to fire them all; as many know ohaguro are well-known Echizen jars that were popular in the Edo period. This selection of fifteen is from that patron order--I talked with JuroemonIX yesterday and that's how I know. Each one is classic in its eared form and each is unique with its own natural ash-glazing, this accounts for the price differences. Nowadays collectors use them as small vases, for brushes, even for pouring sake. Each is in perfect condition--about 12.3cm.tall, signed on side--with a signed-printed box (Fujita couldn't sign each box so he signed one and they printed all the rest). Each has its unique noted natural ash-glazed front and side, most backs are 'clay flavor' and photos gladly sent upon request. In 1986 Fujita was designated a Fukui Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property for his mastery of Echizen pottery. His work has been presented to the Imperial Family as well as many famous temples throughout Japan.
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