{"product_id":"ft202-japan-sakai-minato-yaki-haniwa-horse-figurine","title":"FT202 - Japan Sakai Minato-yaki - Haniwa Horse Figurine","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis charming clay horse is a handcrafted haniwa (ancient Japanese clay figure) made by Sakai Minato-yaki kiln master (堺湊焼) Tsushio Kichiemon (津塩吉右衛門). Inspired by the unearthed haniwa artifacts near the Nintoku Emperor's tomb in Sakai City, Osaka, this piece recreates the image of a naked haniwa horse, a rare type uncovered in this region. Unlike the more common haniwa horses equipped with decorative harnesses, the ones excavated here depict a simple, unadorned form — a pure symbol of ancient pastoral life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTsushio Kichiemon is the 15th generation (第十五代) of the 吉右衛門 (Kichiemon) line associated with 湊焼 \/ 本湊焼 (Minato-yaki \/ Hon-Minato-yaki). He works (or worked) in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, in the Nishiminato \/ Minato (西湊町 \/ 湊焼窯元) area. It is said that potters from Kyoto (including someone named Ueda 吉右衛門 \/ 吉左エ門) moved to Sakai and established kilns here. At its height, there were many kilns in the area, including the main Minato-yaki ones, and production was not limited to utilitarian wares but extended to decorative and folk craft pieces. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver time, the number of active kilns declined. By the mid‑20th century (Showa era), Minato-yaki became much less common; only the Tsushio family remained actively producing. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis clay horse retains a raw, rustic charm, evoking the ancient spirit of Kofun-period Japan. The artisan has named this work \"Sakai\" (左海) as a nod to its regional identity. A meaningful gift for collectors of Japanese folk crafts, history lovers, or anyone who appreciates the beauty of simple, ancient forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 10 x 4 x 7cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Kyo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53370581385547,"sku":"FT202","price":32.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/9746\/7723\/files\/1757665113.jpg?v=1757665618","url":"https:\/\/maisonkyo.be\/de\/products\/ft202-japan-sakai-minato-yaki-haniwa-horse-figurine","provider":"Maison Kyo","version":"1.0","type":"link"}