KIYOMIZUDERA - YUKI GESHIKI (handcrafted Matcha Bowl)

diameter: 4.64inches (11.8cm) height: 3.64inches (8.5cm), standard Matcha bowl size Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)

Made by Kohgiku Nakamura

As one of the most celebrated architectural landmarks in Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto, KIYOMIZU temple is best known for its iconic wooden stage built in the 11th century. However, this piece highlights the vivid red, three-storied pagoda standing before the historic main hall. Named YUKI GESHIKI, the Japanese term for a snow-covered landscape, this work evokes the serene beauty of a Kyoto winter.

Behind the temple, you see mountains in northeast side of Kyoto city. Since Kyoto is set in a basin, the city is naturally framed by these grand peaks. Combined with strict height limits that keep the buildings low, you get an unbroken view of the surrounding nature from almost anywhere.

On cold winter days, delicate snowfall blankets the roofs and surrounding woods, transforming the ancient capital into a quiet, monochrome world of pure white. For snow, the artisan uses WA ENOGU, traditional Japanese pigment, that is buildable to create a three-dimensional texture.
The snow blanketing the vast forest is rendered so realistically with the artisan's meticulous brushstrokes that it resembles a boundless, pure white sea. Amidst this silent white landscape, the vibrant crimson of KIYOMIZU three-story pagoda cuts through the frosted air, creating an unforgettable contrast between the vivid red structure and the snow-dusted city below.

Inside and outside the bowl, you see the soft orange line called GOHONDE, which is one of the traditional techniques. Its blurred, almost mist like quality creates a graceful transition between the pure white interior and the vivid colors on the exterior. This subtle touch softens the contrast and lends a quiet warmth to the bowl, enriching the scenery of snowy Kyoto.

We are able to feel the great techniques of Zenshoh Yamaoka from this Matcha bowl. When you pour Matcha into this bowl, the gentle snowy scenery will envelop the Matcha with soft warmth and enrich its flavor.

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