This delightful Inu Kaburi (かぶり犬) kōgō is a charming example of contemporary Kyoto Raku ware, handcrafted by Itō Keiraku (伊東桂楽) of Katsura Kiln (桂窯). Complete with its original signed wooden box.
The Inu Kaburi, or "hooded dog," is a beloved motif in Japanese culture. Wearing a woven bamboo hat, the cheerful puppy embodies wishes for protection, good fortune, and faithful companionship. Dogs have long been regarded as symbols of safe childbirth, family happiness, and loyalty, making them a popular subject for auspicious decorative objects and tea utensils alike. The finely hand-painted details and expressive face give this little figure a warm personality that immediately captures the eye.
Itō Keiraku born in Kyoto in 1942, Itō Keiraku entered Katsura Kiln (桂窯) in 1957, where he trained under the renowned first-generation masters Higaki Sōraku (檜垣崇楽) and Yorigami Sōhaku (寄神崇白). Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to creating tea ceremony ceramics using the traditional tezukune (手捏ね) technique, in which each piece is carefully formed entirely by hand without the use of a potter's wheel. This demanding method gives every work its own subtle individuality, reflecting the warmth and spontaneity that define Kyoto Raku ware.
Please refer to the photographs for the best representation of its condition.
