HOKUSAI - AKA FUJI Matcha Bowl (handcrafted)

diameter: 4.92inch (12.5cm) height: 2.95inch (7.5cm), standard Matcha bowl size
Traditional Kyo-Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Kagetsu Hara at Kagetsu Kiln

This Matcha bowl features one of the quintessential and well-loved works by Hokusai Katsushika (1760 - 1849). It is said that Hokusai is the most famous UKIYOE Japanese woodblock print artists and influenced the impressionist painters such as Vincent van Gogh. AKA FUJI is painted on this Matcha bowl by Kagetsu Hara, who is known for his mastery of a wide range of traditional ceramic techniques. This is painted exquisitely and precisely and recalls Hokusai's UKIYOE work faithfully.

AKA of this name means red color in Japanese. AKA FUJI is one of the most representative of Hokusai's series, FUGAKU 36 KEI, 36 marvelous views of Mt. Fuji. AKA FUJI expresses that the morning sun brings red color to Mt. Fuji in late summer to early autumn. The AKA FUJI is painted grandly and exquisitely. Sunrise and Mt. Fuji are both regarded as auspicious.

This Matcha bowl is modest with a refined white color, created by the traditional technique called KOBIKI. The bowl is coated with glaze made from white clay and referred to as SHIROGESHOH, which means to create beauty through the use of makeup, because of its graceful and beautiful atmosphere.

Sky blue, the foot of a green mountain and red color of AKA FUJI on the SHIROGESYOH white surface are well-balanced and bring about a graceful atmosphere.

You can see the cracking patterns on the surface of the red AKA FUJI. This cracking called KANNYU occurs due to the different levels of shrinkage between the earthenware and glaze. KANNYU cracking is emphasized when the red color is absorbed into the cracked lines. The patterns express the rugged mountain. Each pattern of cracking is so different that each bowl has a unique pattern.

The patches of orange, created by the traditional glazing technique known as GOHONDE, is just like filtered sunlight. Found on the surface of the inside or outside, GOHONDE adds warmth to the atmosphere of the work. It is impossible to fully control the contrasting density of GOHONDE, so GOHONDE is quite different in each work.

The rim is slightly flared, which gives the impression of clear skies prevailing above Mt. Fuji, and its form and size fit into both hands when drinking Matcha.
Would you enjoy high quality Japanese tea and the most famous UKIYOE of Hokusai with this fine Matcha bowl?

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