diameter: 4.72inch (12cm) height: 2.95inch (7.5cm), standard Matcha bowl size
Sophisticated Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Masahisa Funahara at Shohkyu Kiln

This bowl has a simple and natural feeling, and arranges TSURU crane and KAME turtle, which are a traditional combination of auspiciousness. Those decorations are graciously and modestly designed.

KOBIKI of this name means glazing white color on the pottery, TSURU means crane, and KAME means turtle in Japanese. KOBIKI is one of the Japanese traditional pottery techniques, coating with glaze made from white clay. Unevenness of white color KOBIKI glaze coating creates the WABI SABI atmosphere. Brownish gray color base glaze and brown color of the clay appears through uneven KOBIKI glaze.

Linear marks from the potter's wheel are outside the Yunomi to make gradations of color. Flower patterns are stamped uniformly around the lower side. This is one of the Kyo-Yaki techniques, which is called INKA.

The combination of crane and turtle attract our attention. Both of them are regarded as auspicious objects, symbolizing longevity. Crane is stamped outside the bowl, and beak, head, wing and foot are colored black by iron constituent in glaze. Turtle is on the rim of the bowl. This style is also one of the Kyo-Yaki traditional techniques. In the inside, you can see linear marks made by brush, what we call HAKEME. Horizontal orange lines and colorful patches of orange are known as GOHONDE, a traditional technique that adds warmth to the atmosphere of the work. Both base and hollow inside are also well elaborated, and the color contrast among white, gray, orange and green in the hollow inside the bowl almost seem to mysteriously enhance the taste and flavor of the tea.

To consider the quality of this work, it is set at a reasonable price. We are sure that you will enjoy drinking Japanese tea by this simple yet elaborate bowl.

Specially packaged in a carton box.
Lead-free. Made in Japan.
(Please note that each piece is unique due to the techniques employed by the artisan. There are natural variations in each piece.)