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in Uji, Kyoto, Japan.     We are proud of our quality and value.

 

Dear Sir and Madam,

We at Hibiki-an THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your continued patronage and support. We are pleased to offer useful information for your healthy life and continued enjoyment of Japanese green tea. In this issue, we talk about 'KANO School (Matcha Bowls featuring KANO Paintings)'.


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KANO School (Matcha Bowls featuring KANO Paintings / Now Available)

The KANO school was the largest school and played the most significant role in Japanese painting history. The KANO school flourished for about 400 years from the 15th century to 19th century, and was always at the center of the Japanese art world. The KANO school always connected with the powers of each age, Nobunaga Oda, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, and generations of Tokugawa SHOGUN Emperor, and extensively engaged from paintings of FUSUMA sliding doors and murals called SHOHEKIGA at courts, castles and temples, to paintings on small objects like SENSU folding fans. The KANO school was a group of painters composed mainly of blood relatives and affinities, and flourished for about 400 years. It was a completely unique situation. There was no other group of painters quite like the KANO school at any other time throughout history in the world.

Masanobu KANO (1434 - 1530):
Masanobu KANO was the earliest ancestor and founder of the KANO school. His name appeared on Japanese painting history in 1463 when he produced mural paintings at Shohkokuji temple. He started undertaking the SHOGUN emperor's offers on a full scale after 1481 when he assumed the official position as the SHOGUN emperor's painter.
He seems to have been very adaptable and his works spanned a wide range from SUMI-E ink painting of SHOHEKIGA to Buddhist paintings and portraits. All of his works were very clear and easily-comprehensible by distinguished techniques and elucidatory delineation. The space composition was always ideal. These features were succeeded and passed on to the next generation, his son, Motonobu KANO, who inherited the directional property of the KANO school.

Shumo Shukuai Renzu (84 x 33cm, Japanese national treasure) Shaka Sanzon Zoh (150 x 99cm, Kyoto Daitokuji Temple)

Eitoku KANO (1543 - 1590):
Eitoku KANO was not only the most representative painter of the KANO school along with Masanobu KANO and Tanyu KANO, but also one of the most honorable painters in Japanese painting history. He built the KANO style.
He devoted his life to creating paintings for Oda Nobunaga and Hideyoshi Toyotomi, and produced his SHOHEKIGA paintings at their castles, Azuchi castle (built in 1579, now-defunct), Jhurakudai Court (1587, now-defunct), and Nagoya castle (1583). It is said that all of them were built by collecting the wisdom and style of the period, and were extremely sumptuous. He was grandson of the second KANO, Nobumasa. There was an episode which in 1552 Nobumasa had an audience with the SHOGUN Emperor and brought his grandson Eitoku in tow, NOT his son. At that time Eitoku was just 10 years old. Eitoku showed talent from early childhood and his grandfather helped to cultivate this talent.
Dynamism, forcefulness, and eloquence can be seen in his works. Real scale or larger enormous trees, or Singh / KARASHISHI foo dogs were vividly and dynamically painted on his works (Hinoki Byohbu, Karajishizu Byohbu, Shiki Kachozu Fusuma). In contrast, delicateness and elaborateness were also seen in his works (Rakuchu Rakugai Zu).
Hinoki Byohbu (170 x 461cm, Japanese national treasure)
Real scale of more large enormous Japanese cypress tree is painted vividly and dynamically.
Karajishizu Byohbu (224 x 453cm)
Two Singh / KARASHISHI foo dogs walking among gold cloud look dynamic and intrepid. It is said that this painting’s dynamics and intrepidness express general atmosphere at the warring States period in the 16th century Japan.
Rakuchu Rakugai Zu (159 x 361cm) Kyoto, MIYAKO capital city is painted delicately and elaborately. Kyoto looks gracious and energetic. Zoom of Rakuchu Rakugai Zu

Tanyu KANO (1602 - 1672):
It is said that Tanyu KANO was the great ancestor who revived the KANO school. Tanyu KANO was the grandson of Eitoku KANO, the savant painter. He succeeded the previous 16th century's KANO style which was the vivid and dynamic style built by Eitoku KANO, and created a new style by using both thin and thick brush and SUMI ink, and by using white space efficiency. The new style, which was refreshing, smooth, and stylish, became the standard of Japanese painting for a few hundred years after that.

There was an episode where Tanyu KANO had an audience with the first and second Tokugawa SHOGUN Emperor, Ieyasu and Hidetada when he was 11 years old, and he painted in the presence of Hidetada Tokugawa when he was 13 years old. It was said that he was the second coming of the genius Eitoku KANO.
He devoted his life to generations of Tokugawa SHOGUN emperors at that age. He produced SHOHEKIGA paintings at their castles, NIJO Castle, Edo Castle, Nagoya castle, and dominant temples.

At the renovation of NIJO Castle in 1626, which was directed by Tanyu KANO and worked on by all members (11 artisans) of the KANO school at that time, enormous showpieces were produced. (more info; click here. "SHOHEKIGA Paintings at NIJO Castle")
Settyu Baichiku Yukinzu Fusuma (191 x 135cm, Nagoya Castle)
This ancient plum tree has been painted very beautifully in the form of an isosceles triangle. Just a small bird is painted on the left side, and the sight line of the small bird and the edge of the branch are aligned. It admirably changes the large white space into a certain space having rich afterglow. It is typical of Tanyu Style.
ortrait of Tanyu KANO painted by Ryuei Momota, Important cultural property
Shiki Matsuzu Byohbu (Left side) (157 x 367cm, Kyoto Daitokuji Temple)
Four young to old Japanese pines and four seasons’ atmosphere are painted. Though this is a complex and heavy composition using gold flakes, cut gold flakes, and gold powder, this is finished refreshingly by exposing the aqueous stream at the center of the picture plane. This is the showpiece which was at the forefront of a new style of landscape painting.
Shiki Matsuzu Byohbu (Right side) (157 x 367cm, Kyoto Daitokuji Temple)


Matcha Bowls featuring NIJO Castle KANO Paintings page: click here
Matcha Bowls featuring NIJO Castle KANO Paintings shopping page: click here



NIJO Castle KANO Matcha Bowls: Now Available!

This time, we introduce four Matcha Bowls from the series of Matcha Bowls featuring SHOHEKIGA paintings of NIJO Castle.

NIJO Castle is not only a Japanese national treasure but also a world heritage site listed in 1994. All of the 954 paintings on FUSUMA sliding doors and murals called SHOHEKIGA at NIJO Castle are designated as nationally important cultural properties. The SHOHEKIGA paintings are from the KANO school, which was the largest and most significant school in the history of Japanese painting.

We, Hibiki-an and Zenshoh Yamaoka, who is the leading expert of paintings derived from masterpieces in the middle ages, cooperated and arranged a series of Matcha Bowls featuring SHOHEKIGA paintings of NIJO Castle.

[NIJO Castle KANO] MATSU TAKA ZU (by Zenshoh Yamaoka)

[NIJO Castle KANO] MATSU TAKA ZU (by Zenshoh Yamaoka): US$980.00

MATSU TAKA ZU was painted for the OHIROMA great hall, where is decorated with paintings that honored the SHOGUN emperor. When the DAIMYO vassal lords looked up to see the SHOGUN emperor, they felt as if the great pine tree arced above the SHOGUN emperor...

[NIJO Castle KANO] KIKU ZU (by Zenshoh Yamaoka)

[NIJO Castle KANO] KIKU ZU (by Zenshoh Yamaoka): US$925.00

KIKU ZU was painted for the KUROSHOIN rooms, where the SHOGUN emperor carried out everyday tasks with his followers, are decorated with relaxing, elegant, and gentle paintings of birds, flowers, trees, and so on in order to create an atmosphere of abundant fertility...

[NIJO Castle KANO] CHIKURIN GUNKO ZU (by Zenshoh Yamaoka)

[NIJO Castle KANO] CHIKURIN GUNKO ZU (by Zenshoh Yamaoka): US$925.00

CHIKURIN GUNKO ZU was painted for the west wing of TOHZAMURAI great entrance hall, where is decorated with strong, dynamic paintings in order to show the dignity of the SHOGUN emperor to DAIMYO vassal lords. DAIMYO vassal lords should have felt awed to see paintings of the tiger pride...

[NIJO Castle KANO] ROGAN ZU (by Zenshoh Yamaoka)

[NIJO Castle KANO] ROGAN ZU (by Zenshoh Yamaoka): US$815.00

ROGAN ZU was painted for the anterooms of the SHIKIDAI rooms, where are decorated with affable, kindly, and elegant paintings to cultivate a feeling of warm hospitality. This ROGAN ZU is popular because of the affable, kindly, and elegant atmosphere...


Matcha Bowls featuring NIJO Castle KANO Paintings page: click here


Are you enjoying your green moments? Hibiki-an encourages those who love to drink green tea. If you have any requests or questions regarding our teas or services, please don't hesitate to contact us. We sincerely hope that you enjoy genuine Hibiki-an Japanese green tea direct to you from Kyoto, Japan.

Sincerely yours,

Atsushi Yasui

 

This Month's Tea - Karigane Teas

We would like you to rediscover the value of our Karigane teas for monthly recommendation. Karigane is less expensive than tea leaves because it is a by-product. It is made from the stems of Gyokuro and high grade Sencha. You are sure to delight in the excellent value of Karigane. At the same time we arranged a special Karigane tea, Gyokuro Karigane Super Premium. It is the limited edition of 450 packages only available this early spring season.

[Limited] Gyokuro Karigane Super Premium (40g/1.41oz): US$22.00

[Limited] Gyokuro Karigane Super Premium (40g/1.41oz): US$19.00

Gyokuro Karigane Super Premium is an excellent value. Because it is made from the stems and veins of the only highest-quality Gyokuro, such as Gyokuro Pinnacle and Kuradashi Gyokuro Pinnacle, you can have the quality of Premium for a fraction of the cost...

Gyokuro Karigane Premium (100g/3.53oz): US$25.00

Gyokuro Karigane Premium (100g/3.53oz): US$23.00

Gyokuro Karigane Premium which is made from the stems of highest grade Gyokuro is very valuable and precious. You can enjoy the excellent flavor of high grade Gyokuro at an affordable price...

Gyokuro Karigane Superior (200g/7.05oz): US$33.00

Gyokuro Karigane Superior (200g/7.05oz): US$31.00

Gyokuro Karigane Superior which is made from the stems of high grade Gyokuro is valuable and precious. The stems are called Karigane, and only account for about 5 to 10% of all tea leaves...

Sencha Karigane (200g/7.05oz): US$26.00

Sencha Karigane (200g/7.05oz): US$24.00

Sencha Karigane Premium which is made from the stems of high grade Sencha is valuable and precious. Karigane contains much Theanine which is the source of its sweet and mellow taste....

Houjicha Karigane (200g/7.05oz): US$22.00

Houjicha Karigane (200g/7.05oz): US$20.00

Houjicha Karigane is made from the stems of high grade tea leaves and roasted in the same way as standard Houjicha. The flavor is deeply sweet and roasted, which is quite unique among Japanese tea...

[Limited] Houjicha Karigane Super Premium (100g/3.53oz): US$19.00

[Limited] Houjicha Karigane Super Premium (100g/3.53oz): US$17.00

The stems contained in this tea are usually used for Sencha Karigane, not Houjicha Karigane. Stems from the highest grade Matcha are added in order to create the unique noble aroma...

Karigane Tea Tasting Set (3 x each 100g/3.53oz): US$40.50

Karigane Tea Tasting Set (3 x each 100g/3.53oz): US$37.50

Karigane is made from the stems of Gyokuro and high grade Sencha. We combined three valuable Karigane items: Gyokuro Karigane Superior, Sencha Karigane , and Houjicha Karigane...

"What is Karigane?" page: click here

 

Special Houjicha Teas (Now Available)

We arranged two special Houjicha items, Houjicha Super Premium and Houjicha Karigane Super Premium. Each item is the limited edition of 400 packages only available this winter season.
Both teas are brighter in color and the rich flavor goes far beyond regular Houjicha and Houjicha Karigane. You are sure to delight in the extraordinary rich roasted flavor that lingers nicely in the mouth for a while.

Houjicha Super Premium

[Limited] Houjicha Super Premium (100g/3.53oz): US$17.00

To make this Houjicha Super Premium, we use only young sprouts. And a small amount of stems from the highest grade Matcha are added in order to create the unique noble aroma...

Houjicha Karigane Super Premium

[Limited] Houjicha Karigane Super Premium (100g/3.53oz): US$17.00

The stems contained in this tea are usually used for Sencha Karigane, not Houjicha Karigane. Stems from the highest grade Matcha are added in order to create the unique noble aroma...

What is Houjicha?: click here
A Tip to Enjoy Houjicha: click here


 

[New] YOHKAN (sweet bean jelly): US$17.50

YOHKAN sweet bean jelly is one of the most popular and classic confections in Japan along with OHIGASHI candy and OKAKI rice cracker. Indeed AN bean jam, which is the main ingredient of YOHKAN, is the most essential ingredient of WAGASHI traditional Japanese confections. It has a unique texture and sweetness which pairs well with all kinds of Japanese tea.
We developed four flavors of YOHKAN with an established AN bean jam manufacturer located in Kyoto. Our four flavors of YOHKAN are manufactured with careful attention to quality and domestic ingredients...
(visit the shopping page: click here)

YOHKAN YOHKAN YOHKAN
Starting from the left to right, OHSHIMA, OGURA, YUZU, and UME Wrapped and decorated with WASHI Japanese paper

YOHKAN (sweet bean jelly) US$17.50 shopping page: click here
Japanese Snacks / Candy shopping category: click here

 

[Limited] Bamboo Charcoal in Tea Container (to purify water flavor): US$25.00

It is said that Bamboo Charcoal works to give water a pure flavor. Indeed, Bamboo Charcoal is frequently used not only by tea connoisseurs but also at RYOH TEI high-class Japanese restaurants.

Bamboo Charcoal gives water a fine and fresh flavor, actually changing the composition of the water on a molecular level to reduce the size of the water cluster structures, add minerals, and remove impurities. It infuses the water with calcium, potassium and magnesium. One piece of Bamboo Charcoal may be used in this way for approximately 6 to 8 months. It depends on usage conditions.

Bamboo Charcoal can also absorb the chlorine smell and taste of tap water. For removing the smell and taste of chlorine, a piece of Bamboo Charcoal may be used for approximately 1 to 3 months.

Bamboo Charcoal is also frequently used as deodorizer for refrigerator or rooms. For removing the smell in refrigerator, 1 to 3 pieces of Bamboo Charcoal may be used for approximately 1 to 3 months. It can recover the function of absorbing smell 4 to 8 times by boiling and drying. Bamboo Charcoal can release organic substances from air holes by boiling and drying.

In Japan, Bamboo Charcoal powder is also taken internally (usually mixed into foods) for wellness and to improve digestion.

Tea connoisseurs understand that good water makes good tea. We believe this method of purifying and improving the water flavor is very simple and healthful. In addition, it supports our local tea farmers. Of course, the container, in which this Bamboo Charcoal is packaged, can be used for preserving tea leaves.

Bamboo Charcoal in Tea Container shopping page: click here

Bamboo Charcoal Bamboo Charcoal Bamboo Charcoal
Bamboo Charcoal Bamboo Charcoal

Bamboo Charcoal in Tea Container shopping page: click here


 

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Japanese Green Tea Hibiki-an
36 Shimonoto Yuyadani
Ujitawara, Kyoto 610-0221
Japan
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