Calligraphy Suiteki A
Calligraphy Suiteki A
Calligraphy Suiteki A
Calligraphy Suiteki A
Calligraphy Suiteki A
Calligraphy Suiteki A

Calligraphy Suiteki A

￥57,200
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A one-of-a-kind work of art used in the art of calligraphy


This suiteki, or water dropper for sumi ink used in Japanese calligraphy, is a unique piece by Toshiharu Watanabe. It is both a practical instrument for wetting inkstone, and a sculpture to display in your home. 

*This item ships from Akita Prefecture. Please allow for longer delivery times. 

Studio: Shiraiwa-yaki Waheegama (by Toshiharu Watanabe)
Origin: Shiraiwa, Akita
Dimensions: L15 x W14 x H12 cm
Weight: 685g
Materials: Shiraiwa-yaki, White glaze

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For MEMENTOS Shiraiwa-yaki accessories:

In order to maintain the inherent quality of Shiraiwa Ware, brooches is not coated. 

Handle with care. 

Do not wet the product.  

Avoid excess humidity, aridity, and direct sunlight. 

Avoid sudden temperature changes due to contact with heated or cold objects.  

If the brass fittings begin to darken, wipe with a soft cloth before wearing. To prevent the metal fittings from discoloring, store your brooch in an airtight bag. 

For Shiraiwa-yaki Tableware:

Soak thoroughly with water before use (there is no need to soak these items in rice water or other special methods to prepare them for use.) The golden and platinum plated items should be thoroughly saturated with water the first few times before use as the plated areas are particularly prone to absorbing the smells and colors from food. It is also recommended that tableware used for soy sauce, Japanese sake, and other foods or drinks with strong aromas and colors are soaked in water several times before use.

After using your tableware, quickly wash it with dish soap, rinse, and let it dry thoroughly before storing.

The handmade items from Shiraiwayaki Waheegama often have tiny holes on the surface of the glaze called “Kanyu.” This is not a defect, but rather a special characteristic of this pottery.  

If you are concerned about stains, such as tea stains, on your tableware, we recommend washing the items with salt or baking soda.

You can use items with a dishwasher. However, it is recommended to wash thin pieces by hand.

Avoid using a microwave with golden and platinum plated pieces. All other glazed items can be used with a microwave. 

白岩焼和兵衛窯

Shiraiwayaki Waheegama

This craft was brought to life during the Edo Period when Unshichi Matsumoto, famous for his Oborisoma ware, was invited to Akita as an expert in the transformation of mined materials. Upon discovering the unique and high-quality soil in Shiraiwa, he launched the first Shiraiwayaki kiln, which went on to become a flourishing industry with as many as 5000 potters in its heyday.

However, the craft completely disappeared due to the Akita Semboku Earthquake of 1914, and other various events of the Meiji Period. It remained extinct for 70 years, until Aoi Watanabe's mother, a descendent of Shiraiwayaki potters, revived it as a young university graduate in 1975, an undertaking which was almost unheard of for a female potter at that time. Today there is only one kiln in operation: the Waheegama kiln, run by the Watanabe family.

渡邊敏明

Toshiharu Watanabe

Toshiharu Watanabe is a key figure in the revival of Shiraiwa-yaki, having been involved since the Waheegama kiln was first established in 1978 by his wife, Sunao Watanabe. Together, using local materials that would have been used during the Edo Period, they developed contemporary Shiraiwa-yaki’s red-brown doro glaze, as well as its signature namako glaze, which took them 20 years to perfect.

Shiraiwa-yaki Waheegama’s traditional, four-chamber climbing kiln was completed by Toshiharu Watanabe in 1993.

Watanabe has lectured at multiple university fine arts departments in the Tohoku region. His distinct style integrates both traditional pottery techniques and elements of contemporary sculpture, with works ranging from classic matcha bowls for tea ceremony, to abstract vases and sculptures influenced by modern art of the 19th and 20th centuries.

海鼠釉

Namako Glaze

A traditional glaze with a speckled texture similar to a sea cucumber.

Our customers on Aoi Watanabe's works

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