TANYU KIRI NI HOUOH ZU - pair (handcrafted Teacup)

(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: pair: 225ml (7.92fl oz) each, 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 Yunomi teacup featuring a painting by Tanyu KANO (1602 - 1674). Zenshoh Yamaoka chose KIRI NI HOUOH ZU this time. 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)

KIRI means Paulownia and HOUOH means phoenix, which is a legendary creature, in Japanese. As its name suggests, the elegant phoenix and a fine Paulownia tree are boldly drawn on the surface of this Yunomi teacup.

In Japanese legend, it is believed that the HOUOH phoenix will appear only when a good ruler is in power. And since it is said that the phoenix will nest only in the Paulownia tree, the great tree is boldly drawn with the HOUOH phoenix, representing a uniquely auspicious moment in time. This KIRI NI HOUOH ZU represents peace, prosperity and treasure. Therefore, this Yunomi is very auspicious.

Original KIRI NI HOUOH ZU was drawn in the Edo period (around the 17th century) and it is said that it was presented to celebrate the wedding of the SHOGUN, Ietsuna Tokugawa. The picture is drawn on a folding screen and it consists of the Right Wing (right-hand screen) and the Left Wing (left-hand screen).

The teacups for the Right Wing and the Left Wing are sold as a set.

(Right Wing)
Male and female HOUOH phoenix are drawn across the river. A fine Paulownia tree is boldly drawn on the back side of this Yunomi teacup.

(Left Wing)
Male and female HOUOH phoenix are drawn across the river. One is flying in the air and one is standing on the rock. A fine Paulownia tree is boldly drawn beside the HOUOH phoenix.

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 KIRI NI HOUOH 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 brown 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. KIRI NI HOUOH ZU Yunomi has reached the status of high art. It is a true luxury to drink green tea from this teacup. Your time spent with this cup will be pure delight.

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