SAWARABI (handcrafted Teacup: 130ml)

Handcrafted teacup: 130ml (4.58fl oz), diameter: 3.54inches (9.0cm) height: 2.17inches (5.5cm)
Extremely traditional Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Fired by Ichiraku Yamamoto at Ichiraku Kiln, designed by Zenshoh Yamaoka at Zenshoh Kiln

The Tale of Genji is one of the oldest novels in the world. Written by noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu of the Japanese Imperial Court, this novel is composed of 54 stories and more than 800 WAKA Japanese poems.

The work recounts the life of Hikaru Genji, from his birth to death, and afterward. Through the book, Murasaki describes the life of aristocracy, romance in the Imperial Court, and political disputes. She expertly portrays the internal emotion and expression of each character of her novel.
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 the Tale of Genji. Zenshoh Yamaoka selected 4 stories out of 54, one suitable for each month of the year, arranged by season. (Tale of Genji Matcha Bowls + Cups page)

Zenshoh Yamaoka expresses luxury and elegance in the palace, the secrets of human nature in each scene, and WABI-SABI aesthetic during this time. For example, in order to portray the gorgeous scenes of the Imperial Court, he uses luxurious gold to paint clouds, Japanese traditional cloth KIMONO, auspicious ornaments and so forth. This effect characterizes the affluent lifestyle of the Japanese Imperial Court during this period and makes the teacup brilliant. Clouds are also one of the key features. Clouds are frequently used in Japanese traditional painting to separate and define space and time. The use of golden clouds makes the teacup bright and luxurious.

The design features several of Ichiraku’s expert techniques, which bring the Tale of Genji to life. Linear patterns are modestly carved in S-shaped curves from the middle to the base on the outside. An elevated line of clay encircles the middle on the outside of this work. It was created by a skilled technique requiring the artisan to painstakingly carve away everything except this elevated area. During the process, the Yunomi starts out quite thick and is carved to thin. It is deliberate work requiring much time, effort and mature technique.

Traditional waffle pattern called KOHSHI GARA on the inside rim and SEIKAIHA MONYO on the side of the base are also elegantly and carefully painted in zaffer glaze according to traditional methods of highest grade Kyo Yaki porcelain.

SA means early, and WARABI is one of the edible wild plants grown and harvested in spring, so SAWARABI in this sense means edible wild plant harvested in early spring. The story of SAWARABI begins with a Buddhist sending WARABI wild plants to two women in early spring.

SAWARABI is a story of the marriage and moving of Nakanokimi, who is a woman living in the Uji area. The scene in which Nakanokimi fondly remembers her days in the palace is illustrated on this teacup. When Kaoru, who is the second son of Hikaru Genji, visited the palace and got a glimpse of her in the room, she and her attendants were overwhelmed. They recollect the days they spent in this palace, especially the time spent with her older sister, Ohkimi who had already passed away. Not only their KIMONO traditional cloth but also the building is elegantly decorated in order to evoke the luxurious image of the Imperial Palace, but in contrast to its elegance, her face looks down, showing her feelings of sorrow. Even though plum trees in the garden produce red flowers which are in full bloom as if they celebrate her marriage, her face brings a sense of melancholy. Zenshoh Yamaoka expertly expresses the contradiction between the external splendor of the palace, symbolizing happiness, and Nakanokimi’s inner feelings of sorrow.

The scene of the Tale of Genji, which Mr. Ichiraku Yamamoto and Mr. Zenshoh Yamaoka illustrated, appeals to our heart, evoking feelings of empathy for the characters in the story. One can almost sense the aroma of the flowers, the atmosphere of the palace, and so forth. You are certain to enjoy Japanese green tea with this remarkable teacup.