SEKKA SOUKA ZU - pair (MIZUAOI / TSUWABUKI)

Handcrafted Teacup: pair: 200ml (7.04fl oz) each, diameter: 3.14inches (8cm) height: 3.54inches (9cm)
Sophisticated Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Zenshoh Yamaoka at Zenshoh Kiln

(Please note: Because this item is made-to-order, it takes 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 cancel can NOT be accepted. If you order this item with other items, they will be shipped together.)

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 teacups featuring Sekka collections. Zenshoh Yamaoka chose JYUNIKAGETSU SOUKA ZU. Each painting is well decorated by his unique sense.

Sekka Kamisaka, who was born in Kyoto, is an artist and designer in recent and modern times. He is deeply committed to paintings of the RINPA school, and was greatly influenced by the design of Honami Kouetsu and Kohrin Ogata from the RINPA Japanese painting school. The characteristics of his painting are its bold composition and layout. Also, TARASHIKOMI technique, where colors are dripped into not fully dried ink is frequently used. Both techniques originate from the characteristics of RINPA school, so he is considered as the successor of RINPA (For more information, please visit What is RINPA?).

(MIZUAOI)
MIZUAOI means monochoria korsakowii, which blooms from the end of summer to the beginning of autumn. The blue-purple flowers were used for dyeing and the fleshy leaves were sometimes eaten in Japan in the olden days. MIZUAOI is one of the flowers loved by Japanese since ancient times.

One of the key RINPA techniques, called TARASHIKOMI is used on the stem and leaves of MIZUAOI. TARASHIKOMI is when colors are dripped into not-fully dried ink. The coincidental effect of the blur creates unique and unforeseeable coloring. Different from folding screens and hanging scrolls, it is very difficult to use this technique on ceramic teaware, but its faithful reproduction of Sekka’s work expresses the realistic image of MIZUAOI. The technically painted trunk with the use of dark brown color has a texture close to the appearance of actual MIZUAOI leaves.

In contrast to simple MIZUAOI leaves, beautiful purple MIZUAOI flowers are elegantly blooming in all their glory. The leaves are colored in deep brown, and the veins are decorated in gold with a refined touch. These refined colors add to the graceful atmosphere of the MIZUAOI flowers, colored in brilliant purple. The elegant MIZUAOI flowers evoke the beauty of nature.

Purple MIZUAOI, which bloom elegantly, signal the coming of autumn. The dynamically designed leaves and stems show the strength of nature and enhance the MIZUAOI flowers even more. The contrast between the brilliant flowers and simple leaves represent the nature of life. You will enjoy the realistic scenery of seasonal transition with your favorite green tea.

(TSUWABUKI)
TSUWABUKI means Japanese silver leaf in Japanese. TSUWABUKI is a winter wild flower and its fleshy leaves were used for food or ointment in Japan in the olden days. TSUWABUKI is one of the familiar flowers for Japanese people since ancient times.

This Yunomi looks quite simple, but the layout of the TSUWABUKI and its color usage create a noble atmosphere. The branches stretch upward and dark brown TSUWABUKI leaves adorn the outside of the teacup boldly. The bright yellow flowers make the whole teacup bright like the sun in the cold winter. The veins are also decorated in gold, and its fine lines add to the graceful atmosphere.

Brilliant yellow TSUWABUKI flowers are decorated on the upper part of the Yunomi teacup. Each petal is painted with a refined touch, but its small clustered flowers add accent to the dark brown TSUWABUKI leaves, and to the teacup itself. Its exquisite layout and color contrast captures our attention.

TARASHIKOMI, which is one of the RINPA techniques, is used on the TSUWABUKI leaves and stems. TARASHIKOMI is when colors are dripped into not-fully dried ink. The coincidental effect of the blur creates unique and unforeseeable coloring. Different from folding screens and hanging scrolls, it is very difficult to use this technique on ceramic teaware, but its faithful reproduction of Sekka’s work expresses the realistic image of TSUWABUKI. Technically painted leaves and stems have a texture close to the appearance of true TSUWABUKI.

The very simple yet well-balanced layout of TSUWABUKI evokes a noble atmosphere. When gazing at this Yunomi, one can almost feel the warmth of the sun in the cold winter air. We are certain that this Yunomi teacup will enhance the taste of Japanese green tea.

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