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 JUNIKAGETSU KACHOU ZU, which is composed of twelve hanging scrolls. Each painting is well decorated by his unique sense.
At same time we release pairs of Yunomi teacups featuring RINPA paintings. They are in the motif of BYOHBU folding screens. Each painting is well decorated by his unique sense.
This time, we choose 3 Matcha Bowls and two pairs of Yunomi. They are all only available in this autumn and winter.
Limited edition of teaware items faithfully reflects the work of Houitsu Sakai and Kohrin Ogata. Refined painting and dynamic composition of RINPA are expressed.

It can be said that there are three main generations of RINPA, and five representative artists painted and left colorful and graceful works. The interesting point is that each person had never been trained how to paint in RINPA. They were impressed by the predecessors’ work, and tried to paint after the originals.
The foundation of RINPA was built by Honami Kouetsu and Sohtatsu Tawaraya in the first generation. In the second generation, RINPA was developed by Kohrin Ogata and Kanzan Ogata. In the third generation, works of RINPA flourished in the Edo period due to the influence of Houitsu Sakai.

Honami Kouetsu (1556 - 1637) was born in Kyoto into a family of sword polishers and appraisers. He was well cultured, and very good at any kind of art. He was one of the three prominent calligraphers during this period. He created beautiful Matcha bowls as well, and his works, especially Raku-Yaki are praised even today. Kouetsu was also known for building an artists’ colony in the northern part of Kyoto.
Sohtatsu Tawaraya (1570? ? 1643? : Year of birth and death unknown) was a craftsman of folding fan paintings. His paintings on fans were very famous in Kyoto during that time. His work not only focused on painting fans, but also painting folding screens. One of the famous paintings is FUJIN RAIJIN ZU, which is Wind God and Thunder God Screens in English. This painting had a strong influence on future RINPA artists; some fully devoted themselves to the work of reproducing this painting.

Kohrin Ogata (1658 - 1716) was born into a family of KIMONO fabric dealers in Kyoto. He was influenced by the beauty of lacquers and potteries made by Kouetsu Honami. He also had a great impact from painting of Soutatu Tawaraya, especially his unique composition and brush strokes, and learned how to paint by creating after the original. His famous paintings are KOUHAKUBAI ZU, the Folding Screen of Red and White Plum Blossoms, and KAKITSUBATA ZU, Japanese Irises. Only blue and green colors were used in Japanese Irises screen, but its flowers are very colorful and graceful.
Kenzan Ogata (1663 - 1743) was younger brother of Kohrin Ogata. He was very famous for his pottery. He learned the technique of pottery from Nonomura Ninsei, who established the foundation of Kyo Yaki pottery. He also collaborated with his older brother, Kohrin Ogata. Kanzan made the pottery, and Kohrin painted it. One of their most famous works is a hexagonal plate with longevity character design.

Houitsu Sakai (1761 - 1828) was born as the son of a feudal lord in Tokyo. 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. His works mainly focused on natural scenery, and the title TSUKI NI AKIKUSA ZU, Folding Screen of the Moon and Autumn Plants, and NATSU AKIKUSA ZU, Flowering Plants of Summer and Autumn, are well known as Important Cultural Property. Houitsu enhanced the former artists' achievement, and perfected the techniques and styles of RINPA.