KACHOH ZU - KIKU (handcrafted)

(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: 5.11inch (13cm) height: 2.75inch (7cm), relatively flat style Matcha bowl
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 JUNIKAGETSU KACHOU ZU, which is composed of twelve hanging scrolls. 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 is well known for his realistic description of birds, grasses and flowers, which he paints lively and elegantly. One of his most famous works is JUNIKAGETSU KACHOU ZU, "Flowers and Birds of the Twelve Months" in English. He painted twelve scenes of nature which are suitable for each month of the year in each hanging scroll, when he was 62 years old. Well-balanced layout and clear coloring pattern attract our attention. It is often said that this scroll is the most valuable among all paintings of flowers and birds in the Middle Ages in Japan, because it truly creates an immersive visual experience for the viewer. (RINPA Matcha Bowls + Cups page)

KIKU means chrysanthemum in Japanese. The chrysanthemum is one of the most well-known flowers of Japan, and can be regarded as a noble flower. It also symbolizes longevity, and the flower pattern of chrysanthemum is used everywhere in Japan, such as the cover of the passport, design of Kimono, and so on. The chrysanthemum is truly a beloved flower of Japan.

The use of colors are very bright and vivid. The auspicious red and white colors of the chrysanthemum flowers are gracefully decorated inside and outside the Matcha bowl. The yellow colored stamens add accent to the red and white color petals. The green color of leaves, the veins of which are colored in gold, enhance the beauty of the flowers. The colorful decoration of chrysanthemum flowers makes us feel as if the air is scented with chrysanthemum flowers. A small bird sitting and resting on the stem of the chrysanthemum flower on the front face is decorated with a refined use of discreet colors.

One of the key RINPA techniques, called TARASHIKOMI is used on the stems and leaves. TARASHIKOMI is when colors are dripped into not-fully dried ink. Coincidental effect of blur makes unique and unforeseeable coloring. Different from folding screens and hanging scrolls, it is very difficult to use its technique on a ceramic bowl, but its faithful reproduction of Houitsu’s work expresses the realistic image of the chrysanthemum. Technically painted stems and leaves with the use of golden and green color have a texture close to the appearance of the genuine chrysanthemum flowers. Dark colors used by TARASHIKOMI technique emphasizes the vivid color of the chrysanthemum even more.

Some techniques not only make this bowl but also enhance its three-dimensional effect. The earthenware color of texture, which is called KENZAN, gives the bowl a warm atmosphere. The texture has complicated uneven surfaces, creating the three-dimensional effect of the bowl. Not only the texture but also two indentations outside the Matcha bowl accelerate the three-dimensional image. In the inside of the bowl, chrysanthemum flowers are painted, and it gives depth to the Matcha bowl.

Colorful patches of orange are called GOHONDE, a traditional technique that adds warmth to the atmosphere of the work. It is said that it is impossible to fully control the contrasting density of GOHONDE even for proficient artisans, so that GOHONDE is a little different in each work. It is also said that it is a part of WABI SABI which pattern GOHONDE you encounter.

The use of golden color has a deep effect. Clouds are frequently used in Japanese traditional painting to separate and define space and time. The use of golden clouds makes this Matcha bowl bright and luxurious. Feather of a small bird and stems of chrysanthemum are decorated with golden color. Golden color is abundantly used; it is not too ostentatious, but naturally, elegantly and gracefully painted on the bowl.

The noble and cool atmosphere of this autumn scene in Japan is faithfully illustrated on this bowl. Please enjoy an everlasting tranquil teatime with this Matcha bowl.