KURONURI HANAMARUMON (handcrafted Matcha Bowl)

diameter: 4.72inch (12cm) height: 3.14inch (8cm), standard Matcha bowl size
Traditional Kyo-Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Yozan Ogawa

KURONURI means painted black, HANA means flower and MON means crest in Japanese. As its name suggests, seasonal flowers to represent Japan are gorgeously and meticulously drawn in Japanese round crests on the evenly glazed glossy black surface. Once in hand, you will be astounded by its elaborate design. We recommend this KURONURI HANAMARUMON with confidence!

As you can see, the shiny black color of this bowl is very distinctive. In order to create the evenly colored surface, it has been fired in the kiln many times. This process requires a great deal of time and effort. In addition, outstanding skills are required to produce such a fine gloss with high shine. Mr. Yozan Ogawa is one of the craftsmen to produce it wonderfully. The contrast between fresh green Matcha and the glossy black of this bowl is very beautiful and attractive.

Five kinds of flowers are carefully drawn on the surface of this bowl. These are flowers to represent the four seasons of Japan; SAKURA cherry blossoms, SHOHBU iris, TAKE bamboo, MOMIJI autumn red leaves and UME plum. All of these flowers are regarded as auspicious in Japan and each flower is finely drawn with surprising detail.

The contour lines, leaves or veins of flowers and the rim of the bowl, colored in gold, add to the elegance of this Matcha bowl. As above, the design is carefully painted over the entire outside and gorgeously colored, creating a stunning atmosphere.

You can enjoy this Matcha bowl all year round while feeling the four seasons.

Family crests of Japan usually have a round shape. These floral designs on the surface are painted by making an analogy to the crest. The empty space in these floral designs is colored in thin gold, which is such elaborate work. The slightly gold color matches beautifully with the floral designs and evokes the elegance and dignity of the KURONURI HANAMARUMON bowl.

The base of this Matcha bowl is carefully and painstakingly scraped away, which is proof of the highest grade Matcha bowl. And the technique called TSUCHIMISE, which means "show the clay" in Japanese, is used for the bottom of this bowl. The base is unglazed, and therefore we can enjoy the texture and color of the clay itself. Its texture is quite simple and subtle, in contrast to the gorgeous and sophisticated appearance found elsewhere on this work.

The bottom of this Matcha bowl is known as CHA DAMARI which means "tea pool" in the tea ceremony. CHA DAMARI of this bowl is a little deeply formed, therefore Matcha remains in the bottom when you sip. You can feel Yozan Ogawa’s sense of fun.

His works, which are all graceful and dignified, are visually captivating to viewers. Needless to say, Matcha served in this special bowl will profoundly enrich your heart.

Specially packaged in a wooden 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.)