Hayashi Mokuu Boxed Vintage Hashioki Chopstick Rests 5 Vegetables

Vintage Hayashi Mokuu hashioki (chopstick rests), in original wooden box.  Hayashi Mokuu (1901-1999), whose real name was Hayashi Yoshikazu, studied pottery under his father, who worked at one of the large Kyo Yaki kilns.  At the age of 20, he took a position with the Imperial Household Kiln, to acquire skills with porcelain.  Starting in 1928 he studied for 5 years under the 5th generation Kiyomizu Rokubei, and later started making ceramics at his own kiln under the artist name Mokuu.  He was certified as a Traditional Craft Technique Preserver in 1946 after World War II.  His works also received high praise at exhibitions and trade fairs in Japan, New York, Germany, London and various countries in Europe and the americas.  His bonsai pots are highly rated, and he had a close friendship with the 1st generation Heian Tokufuji (Mizuno Kisaburo).
They have never been used and sat on a display shelf for many years.  The wooden box is rather faded and has brown spots.  The hashioki are in excellent condition and are marked on the bottom with the makers mark.  Total of 5 hashioki, in the shape of a mushroom, eggplant, radish, and other vegetables.