SHISAI KAMON (handcrafted Matcha Bowl)

diameter: 5.12inch (13.0cm) height: 3.35inch (8.5cm), standard Matcha bowl size
Sophisticated Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Tohraku Morisato

SHISAI KAMON has not only sophisticated but unique atmosphere like nostalgic early-modern Japan. This is created by a technique called MISHIMA. Before shaped clay is dried, patterns are marked by stamp stick carved with flowers or another similar design. It is one of the traditional techniques of Kyo Yaki.

Tohraku stamps each of his works by hand, one at a time, though many others are stamped by machine. And he uses only his own stamp sticks that he has personally designed and created. There are only a few artisans in Japan who make stamp sticks because it requires great skill. So, his patterns are much more precise in detail and unique. Tohraku creatively uses several hundred kinds of stamp sticks. In this way, the atmosphere of his works becomes amazingly delicate and expressive.

The SHISAI KAMON has a lovely purple tone which adds depth of expression. The purple tone is brought not by glaze but by the nature of the clay, which is very rare and mined only in Nara. Combined with the white glaze, the clay takes on this unique purple tone. This property of the clay is subtly different in each batch of clay, even in the same kind of clay mined in the same area, so please note that the color of this may vary in deepness of shade.

The form is not common but sophisticated. The curve of the rim and the silhouette from side to bottom are quite subtle and elegant. And unique lines, scraped away vertically from middle to base on side and inside of rim, add elegant expression.

Using a stamp stick and a special type of clay from Nara, Tohraku stamps each of his works by hand, whereas most are stamped by machine. In this way, he creates the traditional pattern MISHIMA, reminiscent of early-modern Japan.

Specially packaged in a wooden box.
Lead-free. Made in Japan.
(Please note that due to the variation in natural color of the clay, this Matcha Bowl is unique in color and no two are exactly the same.)