{"product_id":"japanese-porcelain-charger-blue-and-white-sometsuke-takarabune-treasure-ship-cranes-pine-turtle-auspicious-motif-japan-art","title":"Japanese Porcelain Charger Blue and White | Sometsuke | Takarabune Treasure Ship | Cranes Pine Turtle | Auspicious Motif | Japan Art","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Story Behind This Piece:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFar away from the sparkling, sunlit waters of the Seto Inland Sea, nestled deeply within the rugged, undulating peaks of the Chugoku Mountains near the border of Shimane Prefecture, lies an old mountain village in northern Hiroshima. In this secluded region, wrapped in deep, silent snow during the unrelenting winter months, stands a magnificent minka (traditional folk house) that has belonged to a prominent Shoya (village headman) family since the Edo period, a lineage that has protected the vast surrounding rice fields and forests for generations. Discovered in the darkest, most secure depths of the heavy earthen kura (storehouse) on this historic estate is a remarkably substantial sometsuke (blue and white) large decorative charger, meticulously crafted during the late Showa period, specifically the 1970s. The 1970s in Japan was a time of profound cultural reflection; having achieved immense material wealth through the post-war economic miracle, the Japanese people began to look backward to rediscover the warmth of traditional hand-operated craftsmanship and the profound concept of \"yo-no-bi\" (beauty through use) championed by the Mingei (folk crafts) movement. This specific period triggered a massive cultural revival known as the \"Discover Japan\" campaign. This charger is a flawless manifestation of that creative era, wherein skilled artisans revived timeless, auspicious Japanese motifs through a bold and robust contemporary lens. The vibrant cobalt blue of the gosu underglaze pigment displays a breathtakingly sophisticated gradation, ranging from deep, soulful midnight indigo to pale, ethereal mist-like blues, exuding both the distinct confidence of Showa retro aesthetics and the dignified elegance of fine antique porcelain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmblazoned across the expansive center of this grand vessel is a luxurious arrangement of Japan’s most revered celebratory symbols: the crane, the turtle, the ancient pine tree, and a majestic takarabune (treasure ship) cutting through the cresting waves with its massive sail raised high, bearing the proud kanji character for \"treasure\" (宝). The dynamic, muscular rendering of the swirling waves, the depiction of the minogame (the mythical turtle whose long tail of trailing seaweed symbolizes ten thousand years of longevity), and the elegant, fluid motion of the two cranes soaring into the heavens collectively demonstrate the pinnacle of hand-painting passion and technical excellence possessed by Japanese ceramic artisans in the 1970s. Every single brushstroke encapsulates a profound prayer for eternal family prosperity, health, and unshakeable peace. The original owner of this masterpiece, the patriarch of the Hiroshima Shoya family, commissioned and welcomed this grand plate into his home during the 1970s to commemorate a monumental family milestone—likely a major longevity celebration such as a Kanreki (60th birthday) or Koki (70th birthday), or to mark the extensive renovation of the ancestral estate. During the freezing winter nights characteristic of this heavy snowfall region, when the roaring fire of the irori (sunken hearth) crackled and cast a warm, crimson glow across the tatami room, this charger always occupied the absolute place of honor at the head of the banquet table. Amidst the laughter, the celebratory toasts, and the gathering of the entire extended family for the New Year feast, this grand plate stood as a silent, proud witness to the unbreakable bonds, prosperity, and joy of the household.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, as the Showa era faded into the Heisei period, the rapid Westernization of daily life and the shift toward nuclear families meant that the traditional custom of utilizing and displaying massive chargers in a formal tatami alcove gradually diminished. Because this object was viewed as an invaluable heirloom that symbolized the family's history and prestige, the family refused to let it be worn down through casual, careless everyday use. Instead, it was carefully swaddled in soft, thick textiles, cushioned by vintage silk zabuton cushions, and reverently laid to rest in a sturdy wooden chest within the safest, driest section of the ancient storehouse. This protective measure was an act of ultimate respect, designed to preserve its immaculate beauty for a future generation. Nearly half a century passed in absolute darkness until the present Reiwa era, when the time arrived to sensitively renovate the historic minka to accommodate a modern lifestyle while officially transferring stewardship of the estate to the next generation. This transition necessitated a comprehensive, meticulous clearing of the ancestral storehouse. When the heavy, aged wooden box was opened and the layers of protective cloth were carefully unwrapped for the first time in decades, the brilliant cobalt blue glaze, the three-dimensional geometric relief carving along the rim, and the exquisite network of kanyu (fine glaze crackles) that had matured beautifully over the decades emerged into the daylight, as if time itself had been frozen within the clay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn today’s discerning global art and antique market, the intrinsic value and aesthetic charm of this 1970s sometsuke charger transcend the boundaries of standard vintage porcelain. The delicate web of kanyu crackles sprawling across the glazed surface, combined with a subtle, tactile warmth inherent to the ceramics of this transitional era, perfectly embodies the profound Japanese philosophy of \"wabi-sabi\"—the appreciation of transience, imperfection, and the sublime beauty found within the natural process of aging. Furthermore, in our contemporary world dominated by mass production and digital uniformity, this piece possesses immense \"Mingei value,\" representing an era when the human hand, artisanal intuition, and a deep reverence for historical design were still intensely alive. Placing this commanding charger within a sleek modern space, a minimalist architectural setting, or an interior decorated with mid-century Scandinavian furniture creates an extraordinary, cross-cultural aesthetic juxtaposition that instantly elevates the sophisticated atmosphere of the entire room. The tiny imperfections and the glaze crackles carved by the slow march of time are not flaws; they are a proud pedigree of the vessel's history, offering the collector a deep sense of spiritual fulfillment and the unparalleled joy of owning a piece of living history. Infused with the extraordinary skill of a late Showa artisan and saturated with the festive memories of a prominent northern Hiroshima family, this exquisite piece of art redefines the concept of functional beauty for the modern age, bringing rich color, historical depth, and profound emotion into your daily life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Notes:\u003cbr\u003ePlease note before purchasing.\u003cbr\u003eThis is a vintage or antique item sold as-is.\u003cbr\u003eDue to age and long-term storage, natural signs of wear and aging may be present, including:\u003cbr\u003e* small scratches or scuffs\u003cbr\u003e* fading or discoloration\u003cbr\u003e* glaze irregularities or imperfections\u003cbr\u003e* crackling (crazing), kiln marks, or gold wear\u003cbr\u003e* slight warping or age-related changes in wooden parts\u003cbr\u003eVintage and antique items may also carry natural storage-related scents from wood, paper, lacquer, smoke, or long-term preservation environments.\u003cbr\u003eThese characteristics are part of the individuality, historical character, and quiet beauty that vintage Japanese items carry.\u003cbr\u003eThey are not flaws, but the gentle traces of time.\u003cbr\u003eWe kindly ask for your understanding that vintage and antique items differ from newly manufactured products.\u003cbr\u003eWe do our best to show all notable details in the photos, but some small imperfections may not be fully visible.\u003cbr\u003ePlease review the dimensions carefully before purchasing, as photos may make items appear larger or smaller depending on display settings and shooting conditions.\u003cbr\u003ePlease note that colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.\u003cbr\u003eOnly the items shown in the photos are included unless otherwise stated.\u003cbr\u003eDisplay stands, decorative props, or accessories used for photography are not included unless explicitly stated.\u003cbr\u003eThank you for appreciating the character and spirit of these timeworn pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 3.6 cm (1.42 in)\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 32.0 cm (12.60 in)\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 32.0 cm (12.60 in)\u003cbr\u003eBase: 20.2 cm (7.95 in)\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 845 g (29.81 oz)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShipping Information:\u003cbr\u003eAll items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.\u003cbr\u003eOrders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.\u003cbr\u003eFor shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS with full tracking and insurance.\u003cbr\u003eFor all other destinations, orders are shipped via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS depending on the destination and shipping conditions.\u003cbr\u003eEach item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure safe delivery.\u003cbr\u003eEstimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, and customs inspections.\u003cbr\u003eInternational Buyers – Duties, VAT \u0026amp; Taxes:\u003cbr\u003eImport duties \/ customs duties are covered by us for all available shipping destinations.\u003cbr\u003eHowever, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, and other local import-related charges are not included in the item price unless otherwise stated.\u003cbr\u003eThese charges are the responsibility of the buyer.\u003cbr\u003eDepending on your country’s regulations, these charges may be collected either by local customs authorities or by the shipping carrier upon delivery.\u003cbr\u003eFor many higher-value international orders, VAT\/GST and import-related processing charges are commonly collected at the time of delivery.\u003cbr\u003ePlease note that free shipping or customs duty coverage does not mean that VAT\/GST or local import-related charges are included.\u003cbr\u003eEven when customs duties are covered by us, VAT\/GST and local import-related charges may still be payable separately by the buyer upon delivery.\u003cbr\u003eWe do not mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.\u003cbr\u003ePlease ensure that your shipping address and contact information are accurate and complete.\u003cbr\u003eIf a package is returned due to an incorrect address, unpaid VAT\/GST or import-related charges, refusal, or failed delivery, all return and reshipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.\u003cbr\u003eInternational deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures or local postal conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDamage During Shipping:\u003cbr\u003eIn the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and provide clear photos of:\u003cbr\u003e* the damaged item\u003cbr\u003e* the outer shipping box\u003cbr\u003e* the inside packaging condition\u003cbr\u003e* the shipping label\u003cbr\u003ePlease keep all packaging materials and damaged items until the shipping carrier completes the investigation.\u003cbr\u003eMinor imperfections consistent with the nature of vintage or antique items are not considered shipping damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReturns \u0026amp; Refunds:\u003cbr\u003eAll items are vintage or antique and sold as-is.\u003cbr\u003eDue to the nature of vintage and antique items, we generally do not accept returns, cancellations, or refunds except where required by law or covered by shipping insurance.\u003cbr\u003eReturns or refunds are not accepted for reasons such as:\u003cbr\u003e* change of mind\u003cbr\u003e* customs delays\u003cbr\u003e* minor differences in condition\u003cbr\u003e* color differences\u003cbr\u003e* texture variations\u003cbr\u003e* size impression differences\u003cbr\u003e* natural signs of age and wear\u003cbr\u003eHowever, if severe loss or damage during shipping is officially confirmed by the carrier’s insurance, we will respond within the scope of the insurance coverage.\u003cbr\u003eFor customers in the UK and EU, applicable consumer protection laws and cooling-off rights will take precedence where required by law.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSafety \u0026amp; Usage:\u003cbr\u003eThese items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.\u003cbr\u003eThey are not toys and are not suitable for direct food use.\u003cbr\u003eVintage ceramics may contain historical materials or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.\u003cbr\u003eWe cannot guarantee suitability for modern food, beverage, dishwasher, microwave, oven, or direct cooking use.\u003cbr\u003ePlease enjoy them as decorative objects that bring quiet beauty and history into your space.\u003cbr\u003eHandle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiability Disclaimer:\u003cbr\u003eWe cannot be held responsible for any accidents, damage, allergic reactions, injury, loss, or issues resulting from the use, handling, aging, restoration, transportation, or storage of vintage or antique items.\u003cbr\u003eAll products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper handling, display, usage, and storage.\u003cbr\u003eBy completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional Notes by Region:\u003cbr\u003e■ United States\u003cbr\u003eState taxes, such as Sales Tax, may be collected according to local regulations.\u003cbr\u003eCalifornia Proposition 65:\u2028Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, or antique finishes. This notice is provided for informational purposes only.\u003cbr\u003e■ European Union (EU)\u003cbr\u003eOur shop is not registered for IOSS or EU VAT collection.\u003cbr\u003eImport VAT, customs processing fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges may be collected upon delivery according to local regulations.\u003cbr\u003eThese charges are the responsibility of the buyer.\u003cbr\u003e■ United Kingdom\u003cbr\u003eOur shop is not registered for UK VAT collection.\u003cbr\u003eImport VAT and related charges may be collected upon delivery.\u003cbr\u003eThe buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes.\u003cbr\u003e■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand\u003cbr\u003eImport VAT\/GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.\u003cbr\u003eFor Taiwan:\u2028Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.\u003cbr\u003e■ Hong Kong\u003cbr\u003eHong Kong currently does not generally impose VAT\/GST on imported goods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContact Us:\u003cbr\u003eIf you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, usage, dimensions, or condition, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.\u003cbr\u003eWe’re happy to assist you and will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.\u003cbr\u003eThank you for considering a piece from our kura — each item carries a quiet story shaped by time in Japan.\u003cbr\u003eThis piece is part of our curated collection discovered in rural Japan.\u003cbr\u003eOn our official website, we share:\u003cbr\u003e– the story of the kura (traditional Japanese storehouse) where this item was discovered\u2028– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday life\u2028– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere\u003cbr\u003eWe hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"meguru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51928318837022,"sku":"A01-425","price":40772.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0954\/8451\/0494\/files\/IMG_8382.jpg?v=1780706734","url":"https:\/\/megurujapan.com\/de\/products\/japanese-porcelain-charger-blue-and-white-sometsuke-takarabune-treasure-ship-cranes-pine-turtle-auspicious-motif-japan-art","provider":"meguru","version":"1.0","type":"link"}