Original Product Sometsuke Reverse Arabesque Shaving Brush 13.4cm

Sometsuke Reverse Karakusa Shaving Brush 13.4cm

At first glance, it might appear to be "Tako Karakusa" (octopus arabesque), a common pattern found in old Imari ware from the Edo period, but this is a "Gyaku Karakusa" (reverse arabesque) pattern. While regular Tako Karakusa fills in the arabesque pattern itself, Gyaku Karakusa fills in the background while leaving the arabesque pattern uncolored. Gyaku Karakusa, which requires high skill and experience, stands out among old Imari sometsuke for its splendor and presence.

The handle was produced by Kishogama, a company skilled at "recreating old Imari ware." Among their notable achievements is the "Usururi Sōro," which recreates the "Usururi" (thin lapis lazuli) technique, known as a lost art. It reinterprets the design and texture of the "Sometsuke Shirasagi-zu Sankyaku-zara" (blue and white egret design tripod plate), which is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, in a new form.

The bristles were produced by Chikuhodo, a brush workshop renowned worldwide. This luxurious shaving brush uses more bristles than usual. The bristle material is badger hair. When wet, the bristles soften, providing a smooth feel against the skin. Furthermore, badger hair has just the right amount of resilience, allowing for the creation of finer lather.

There may be slight differences in color, brushwork, and weight between individual products. Also, some products may have small black dots (iron spots) on the surface or glaze drips, but these do not indicate a quality issue.