HAI SEIJI (handcrafted Matcha Bowl)

diameter: 5.11inch (13.0cm), height: 2.75inch (7.0cm), standard Matcha bowl size
Sophisticated Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Takeshi Furukawa at Risoh Kiln

This unique Matcha Bowl features a combination of the glossy glaze color and irregular lines. The glossy pale blue glaze color covers the dark brown earthenware, and the irregular red lines, which are called KANNYU, are well contrasted against the blue glaze. The various large and small sizes of blue glaze trimmed in red KANNYU lines are like transparent gemstones.

HAI means ash, and SEIJI means celadon green color in Japanese. The ashy light blue color glaze covers this Matcha bowl. The glossy glaze adds to the noble atmosphere of the bowl. KANNYU, a type of glaze and technique which gives the appearance of a cracked surface, finely appears on the whole surface of the ashy blue glaze. KANNYU deepens the WABI SABI atmosphere when used carefully over time.

KANNYU cracking occurs due to the different levels of shrinkage between the earthenware and glaze. When the heated bowl is cooled down, red iron oxide is rubbed over the surface of the bowl, and its color gradually sinks into the cracked lines. Each pattern of cracking is so different that each bowl has a unique pattern. The irregular red cracked lines and light blue glaze color are well reflected on this Matcha bowl.

The artisan Takeshi Furukawa makes this bowl very thin, and this shape is also one of the focal points of this bowl. SEIJI glaze is so thick that he tries to make the earthenware thin to give a good hand feel when sipping Matcha. Thick glaze on the thin earthenware adds a soft and warm atmosphere to the Matcha bowl. Irregular yet noble expression of KANNYU cracking is also well reflected on the whole surface of the thin earthenware.

The collaboration of elaborate hand work and irregular beauty of KANNYU cracking creates an elegant Matcha bowl. Once Matcha is whisked into this bowl, its scenery is as if Matcha floats on the gemstone. We are certain that this Matcha bowl will deepen the taste of Matcha as it is used day by day.

Specially packaged in a carton box.
Lead-free. Made in Japan.
(Please note that each piece is unique due to the techniques employed by the artisan. There are natural variations in each piece.)