TANYU SHIKI MATSUZU - NATSU AKI(handcrafted: 250ml)

(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.)

Handcrafted teacup: 250ml (8.80fl oz), diameter: 3.14inches (8cm) height: 3.54inches (9cm)
Sophisticated Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Zenshoh Yamaoka at Zenshoh Kiln

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 Matcha bowl featuring a painting by Tanyu KANO (1602 - 1674). Zenshoh Yamaoka chose SHIKI MATSU ZU which is designated as Important Cultural Property in Japan. The features and touches are well described by his unique sense.

It is said that Tanyu KANO was the great ancestor who revived the KANO school. The KANO school was the largest school and played the most significant role in Japanese painting history. The KANO school flourished for about 400 years from the 15th century to the 19th century, and was always at the center of the Japanese art world. The KANO school connected with the powers of each age and prodigiously developed numerous works ranging from paintings of FUSUMA sliding doors and murals called SHOHEKIGA at courts, castles and temples, to paintings on small objects like SENSU folding fans.

This Yunomi teacup will certainly please the viewer with the features of the KANO school, vivid and dynamic composition, exquisite and delicate brushwork and use of color, efficient white space, and so on. (for more info; KANO School)

SHIKI MATSU ZU means the painting of four seasons of the MATSU pine tree in Japanese. Four young to old MATSU Japanese pines and the atmosphere of the four seasons are delicately and faithfully painted. Though this is a complex and heavy composition using gold flakes, cut gold flakes, and gold powder, an aqueous stream at the center of the BYOHBU folding screen adds a sensation of refreshing lightness. This is the showpiece which was at the forefront of a new style of landscape painting. This composition depicts a MATSU pine tree growing old as the seasons change.

A tall and fine summer pine has a curved trunk, and an autumn MATSU is covered in ivy with red leaves.

Some academic experts say this work represents a person's life. Nothing is permanent and all worldly things are transitory. This SHIKI MATSU ZU reflects the Japanese aesthetic of WABI SABI.

It is quite daunting work to draw such a delicate picture and faithfully reproduce the original on the Yunomi. However, Zenshoh Yamaoka achieved it brilliantly by his extraordinary brush strokes.

The use of golden color on the gentle white surface has a deep effect. Since the original SHIKI MATSU ZU was drawn on a gold folding screen, Zenshoh truly depicts the original work by using golden color, which recalls features of the KANO school at this age faithfully. The rim framed in gold also makes this Yunomi bright and luxurious. It is not too ostentatious, but naturally, elegantly and gracefully painted.

You will be impressed by the high degree of perfection and feel the Japanese aesthetic of WABI SABI. This SHIKI MATSU ZU Yunomi has reached the status of high art. It is a true luxury to drink green tea from this tea cup. Your time spent with this cup will be pure delight.

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