YOI ZAKURA (handcrafted Matcha Bowl)

diameter: 4.52inch (11.5cm), height: 3.54inch (9.0cm), standard Matcha bowl size
Traditional Kyo-Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Rakunyu Yoshimura at Rakunyu Kiln

Rakunyu expresses the original Japanese landscape on this traditional Matcha bowl, which is Raku-yaki. The scenery of cherry blossoms on a springtime evening is painted carefully yet luxuriously. The light from BONBORI Japanese lanterns illuminates the cherry blossoms. The texture of the Raku-yaki Matcha bowl and its form adds a high level of elegance.

YOI means evening, and SAKURA means cherry blossoms in Japanese. Elegantly decorated cherry blossoms colored in pink and white are in full bloom in the evening in spring. The contrast between the black color on the upper side of the Matcha bowl and the Japanese traditional lanterns highlights the cherry blossoms, which are reflected on the black sky, adding to its elegance.

SAKURA cherry blossoms are painted with an elaborate touch. The petals are colored in pink and white, and some petals are painted with the use of gradation technique. The pink and white colors of the petals create a noble atmosphere. The golden color of the stamens also adds to the elegant atmosphere. The glimmering light of the Japanese traditional lanterns of BONBORI on a springtime evening illuminate the cherry blossoms, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The light pink and white colors of the cherry blossoms are well reflected against the black color of the dark sky.

The petals of the cherry blossoms are also decorated inside the bowl, which is one of the techniques to emphasize the taste of the Matcha. When the lush green color Matcha is whisked and sipped, the flowers rich in color and expression emerge elegantly. Its elaborate expression seems to deepen the taste of the Matcha.

The painting technique of the cherry blossoms is also one of the focal points. The patterns of the cherry blossoms and the lanterns are masked and the black color is decorated over the white glaze Matcha bowl. After painting black color inside and on the upper side of the Matcha bowl, the artist paints the cherry blossoms and lanterns. This elaborate work creates the pure colors of the petals and lanterns.

Raku-yaki is a very unique ceramics technique that was developed only for matcha bowls in Kyoto about 400 years ago. Raku-yaki is the object of envy for people who learn the tea ceremony and so they are anxious to possess Raku-yaki.

The most unique feature of Raku-yaki is that it feels very soft and warm to the touch by hands or mouth. Though Raku-yaki is thick, it is very light, and given thick coats of glaze. This helps to give Raku-yaki it's soft and warm material feel. The shape from the bottom to the side and top reminds you of the artisan's deep consideration for this bowl to comfortably fit your hands and mouth.

Raku Yaki has a water-absorbing property. If used for a long time, the surface aesthetic property changes a little. It is also a feature of using Raku-yaki that the atmosphere becomes more WABI-SABI. WABI-SABI is a Japanese aesthetic and spiritual ideal that implies authentic simplicity and imperfect beauty. Enjoy your green moment with Kuro-raku and the nostalgic scenery of cherry blossoms on a springtime evening.

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