A Hirado Candlestick Holder – Two Karako – Meiji
July 2014 Auction by Far East Asian Art

This is a fine example of top quality Hirado ware. It is a joined double candlestick holder with two young boys (karako) holding up cups that serve as the holders for the two candles. This is a particularly fine piece of Hirado in that the eyes of the karako are unglazed – a technique used in the top of the line Hirado okimono. There are highlights of Hirado blue – the hair on the boys – small butterflies on the cups – and the boys’ slippers...