(Please note:Because this item is usually made-to-order, it may possibly take 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 cancellation cannot be accepted. If you order this item with other items, they will be shipped together.)

diameter: 4.72inch (12cm) height: 3.14inch (8cm), standard matcha bowl size
Sophisticated Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Zenshoh Yamaoka at Zenshoh Kiln

RINPA is one of the major historical schools of Japanese painting, which flourished in the 17th century in Kyoto. “RIN” means the beautiful beads, and “PA” means school, so all works in RINPA are focusing on colorful and elegant expression. RINPA is also known as one of the arts which express more unique Japanese sensitivity in Japanese modern art.

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 Matcha bowls featuring RINPA paintings. Zenshoh Yamaoka chose SAKURA ZU. Each painting is well decorated by his unique sense.

Houitsu Sakai (1761 - 1828), who was part of the third generation of RINPA, indurated RINPA in the Edo period. He was impressed by Kohrin’s painting style, and he published the volume of Kohrin Ogata. This catalogue was exported to Europe, and received a high evaluation. Houitsu enhanced the former artist’s achievement, and perfected the techniques and styles of RINPA. He is well known for his realistic description of birds, grasses and flowers, which he paints lively and elegantly. His works truly create an immersive visual experience. (RINPA Matcha Bowls + Cups page)

SAKURA means cherry blossoms in Japanese. Fully bloomed SAKURA growing from a slender branch makes us feel the strength of nature. Though blooming proudly, SAKURA cherry blossoms have a touch of melancholy, for it seems that SAKURA are preparing to fall. In Japan, we say that SAKURA are beautiful because there is an end; appreciate today because it will never come again. This SAKURA ZU represents the world of Japanese aesthetics known as WABI SABI.

The touches of SAKURA cherry blossoms are quite exquisite and realistic, and SAKURA are exhaustively drawn not only on the interior but also on the exterior of this bowl. By using the inside of the bowl as a canvas, Zenshoh expresses the perspective of the folding screen. It is very difficult for even an excellent artisan to draw such a delicate picture on a bowl. Zenshoh Yamaoka is the only one who is able to produce this work. This SAKURA ZU bowl reached the status of high art. It is very luxurious to drink Matcha from this bowl. Your time spent with the SAKURA ZU bowl will be pure bliss.

The petals of the SAKURA cherry blossoms are intentionally painted thickly by special paint, while the tree and leaves are thinly painted. By doing this, Zenshoh brings balance and movement to this Matcha bowl. It just seems that a SAKURA cherry tree naturally grows from the bowl.

The graceful and subtle white color used on the surface of this bowl is called NINSEI-KIJI in Kyo-Yaki works. NINSEI refers to Ninsei Nonomura who was one of the masters helping to create the Kyo Yaki style in the early 17th century. The contrast between the exquisite SAKURA blossoms and the subtle white background of this bowl emphasizes the beauty of this bowl and its graceful and gorgeous atmosphere.

The use of golden color also has a deep effect. Gold is often used in Japanese traditional folding screens to produce dignity and flamboyance. The use of golden clouds in the background and the rim framed in gold makes this Matcha bowl bright and luxurious. Golden color used on the surface is not too ostentatious, but naturally, elegantly and gracefully painted.

The world of Houitsu is faithfully illustrated on this bowl. Please enjoy your green moment with this Matcha bowl, which is infused with the dignity of RINPA and the outstanding skill of Zenshoh.

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