We have recreated the dancing and singing of the Dengaku scene from the Scrolls of Frolicking Animals, Japan’s oldest manga. Dengaku was a folk song and dance that originated during the Heian period and is said to have been a prayer for an abundant harvest performed before planting rice with flutes, drums, and the traditional binzasara percussion instrument. These amusing animals are sure to bring your dinner table to life!

The Scrolls of Frolicking Animals series uses a copperplate transfer printing technique typical of Hasami ceramic painting during the Meiji and Taisho eras. Designs are printed onto Japanese washi paper before being transferred onto the bisque ahead of firing.

We’ve used iron-rich paints and absorbent glazes to create dynamic lines for a unique, artistic touch, the lip of each piece finished with an expressive rust paint.