(Please note:Because this item is usually made-to-order, it may possibly take approximately 3 weeks from the time you order this item until the date it is shipped from Kyoto, Japan. Once ordered, any order change or cancellation cannot be accepted. If you order this item with other items, they will be shipped together.)
diameter: 4.72inch (12cm) height: 3.14inch (8cm), standard matcha bowl size
Sophisticated Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Zenshoh Yamaoka at Zenshoh Kiln
RINPA is one of the major historical schools of Japanese painting, which flourished in the 17th century in Kyoto. “RIN” means the beautiful beads, and “PA” means school, so all works in RINPA are focusing on colorful and elegant expression. RINPA is also known as one of the arts which express more unique Japanese sensitivity in Japanese modern art.
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 Matcha bowls featuring RINPA paintings. Zenshoh Yamaoka chose SHIKI KACHOU ZU. Each painting is well decorated by his unique sense.
Houitsu Sakai (1761 - 1828), who was part of the third generation of RINPA, indurated RINPA in the Edo period. He was impressed by Kohrin’s painting style, and he published the volume of Kohrin Ogata. This catalogue was exported to Europe, and received a high evaluation. Houitsu enhanced the former artists' achievement, and perfected the techniques and styles of RINPA. He is well known for his realistic description of birds, grasses and flowers, which he paints lively and elegantly. His works truly create an immersive visual experience for the viewer.
(RINPA Matcha Bowls + Cups page)
As its name suggests, this SHIKI KACHOH ZU bowl describes the four seasons of Japan. Zenshoh Yamaoka illustrates the Japanese scenery of all seasons of the year with a refined touch and various colors and uses the golden glaze which makes this bowl quite elegant and graceful. Through painting the scenery of Japan, he expresses not only the brilliance of the four seasons in Japan but also the vitality of nature itself and the classic scenes representative of these seasons, as seen in daily life in Japan.
(HARU spring)
The scenery of spring is well described with the use of various kinds of color. UME plum tree and RENGYOH golden bell branches, which are Japanese representative flowers in spring, are in full bloom, and both trees express a mild and warm spring atmosphere. Japanese white-eye bird, known as MEJIRO, settles on the plum branch, which signifies the coming of spring.
(NATSU summer)
The summer scenery is decorated with a delicate and refined touch. The flowers painted on this tea cup are water plants, and their colors suggest a feeling of cool and calm during the Japanese summer. A light mist in navy blue surrounds the flowers, evoking the impression of water plants. To create the mist, the artist uses a special technique, which is quite difficult to accomplish.
(AKI autumn)
Zenshoh Yamaoka describes the main seven wildflowers of autumn on this bowl. Each of them are delicately and colorfully painted, and even the fine stems are gracefully and carefully described. The shining moonlight and a flying white egret reflected in the moon, which is described inside this bowl, also represents the autumn scenery.
(FUYU winter)
The contrast between the red color of the MANRYO coral berries and the white snow creates a classic Japanese winter scene. Sparrows try to settle on the tree, which is covered with snow, to eat the coral berries, while actively flying birds create a scene full of joy and life.
The use of faint golden color, which is seen on some parts of the surface, has a deep effect. It represents clouds which are frequently used in Japanese traditional painting to separate and define space and time. The use of golden clouds makes this tea cup bright and luxurious.
Japanese scenery of the four seasons is well described elegantly. Trees and birds with strong vitality welcome the coming of the seasons. These classic scenes are sure to enrich your green moment.
Specially packaged in a wooden box.
Lead-free. Made in Japan.