Handcrafted teacup: 200ml (7.04fl oz), diameter: 3.14inches (8cm) height: 3.54inches (9cm)
Sophisticated Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Zenshoh Yamaoka at Zenshoh Kiln

(Please note: Because this item is made-to-order, it takes approximately 3 weeks from the time you order this item until the date it is shipped from Kyoto, Japan. Once ordered, any order change or cancel can NOT be accepted. If you order this item with other items, they will be shipped together.)

We, Hibiki-an have collaborated with Zenshoh Yamaoka, who is the leading expert of paintings derived from masterpieces in the middle ages and acclaimed Kyo Yaki artisan, to release a series of tea cups featuring Sekka collections. Zenshoh Yamaoka chose JYUNIKAGETSU SOUKA ZU. Each painting is well decorated by his unique sense.

Sekka Kamisaka, who was born in Kyoto, is an artist and designer in recent and modern times. He is deeply committed to paintings of the RINPA school, and was greatly influenced by the design of Honami Kouetsu and Kohrin Ogata from the RINPA Japanese painting school. The characteristics of his painting are its bold composition and layout. Also, TARASHIKOMI technique, where colors are dripped into not fully dried ink is frequently used. Both techniques originate from the characteristics of RINPA school, so he is considered as the successor of RINPA (For more information, please visit What is RINPA?).

HAKU BAI means white color UME plum. Plum, a traditional symbol of wintertime or early spring in Japan, is painted elegantly on the surface. Some plum flowers are still in bud and about to bloom, which is the precise moment of bearing new life. Plum is a special auspicious flower in Japan because it is said that plum is the first to bloom of all spring flowers.

The contrast between the trunk and the branches is one of the focal points to appreciate on this Yunomi. The trunk is very thick, painted in dark brown, expressing wisdom with age. In contrast, the branches stretching from the bottom to the rim upward create a lively atmosphere. Different from the plum trunk, the branches are so long and flexible, evoking a young and vigorous atmosphere.

Sekka Kamisaka does not paint the whole plum tree but boldly trims its composition and focuses on the detail. This technique creates a realistic and dynamic atmosphere. The bark and branches are painted in different colors. White plum flowers in the center are faintly colored in red.

The huge plum trunk not only evokes the dignity, but also the harshness of nature. The color and thickness of the plum trunk tell us that this plum tree has been enduring the severe winter for many years. Nature lived through the harsh winter, yet brings new life to the branches with abundant flowers each spring.

White plums which bloom elegantly evoke the coming of spring, and plum buds express the joy of new life. The dynamically designed trunk and branches show the strength of nature and enhance the plum flowers even more. The contrast between the thick trunk and willowy branches tell the nature of life from different viewpoints. Would you enjoy the realistic scenery of seasonal transition with your favorite green tea?

Specially packaged in a carton box.
Lead-free. Made in Japan.