A boxed Sencha Kutani Tea set decorated by Koyama in the Aochibu style in which a field of blue is covered in tiny, raised green dots, in this case supplemented by rich use of gold in the fretwork of the rim as well as the flowering vines surrounding the pieces. Each piece is singed on the base Kutani-yaki Koyama-sei. The pieces measure (respectively) Yuzamashi Cooling pot: 10.5 x 8.5 x 5.5 cm (4 x 3-1/2 x 2 inches), Tea Pot: 12.5 x 10.5 x 8 cm (5 x 4 x 3 inches), Cups: 8 cm (3 inches) diameter, 5 cm (2 inches) tall. All are in fine condition, dating from the early 20th century. It comes in an old wooden storage box titled Kinrande Kutani Sencha Chawan, Gokyaku.
A technique that became popular during the Taishō period “Aochibu(青粒)”, it involves arranging raised, finely detailed green dots in a pattern reminiscent of sharkskin. The technique is neither painting nor line work; instead, the tiny raised dots, carefully built up with green pigment, form a cohesive visual composition. The method demands precise skill, as the size, color, and spacing of the dots must be uniform. Achieving consistent dot size while maintaining the overall aesthetic of the grouping requires exceptional craftsmanship. The smaller the dots, the greater the skill of the artisan, as their meticulous work creates a striking and intricate world of detail. In addition to green (referred to as “blue” at the time), there are also white dots (shirochibu) and gold dots (kinchibu).
