KIITSU SAKURA ZU (handcrafted Matcha Bowl)

diameter: 4.72inch (12.0cm), height: 3.15inch (8.0cm), standard Matcha bowl size
Traditional Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Kohgiku Yamaoka in Kohgiku Kiln

This design features Kiitsu Suzuki’s SAKURA ZU cherry blossoms painting as a motif. SAKURA cherry blossoms are realistically drawn and a cloud, painted in gold-colored pigment, brings a noble and courtly atmosphere. You will be fascinated by this elegant and graceful KIITSU SAKURA ZU Matcha bowl.

Kiitsu Suzuki (1796 – 1858) was a Japanese painter of the RINPA school. It is said that he was a student of Sakai Hoitsu (1761–1828) who was part of the third generation of RINPA. Kiitsu is best known for his BYOHBU folding screens. He has been most acclaimed for his original screens, including his famed Morning Glories and Mountain Stream in Summer and Autumn. (For more information, please visit What is RINPA?)

SAKURA cherry blossoms and tree are realistically drawn on the surface. This design features KAERI SAKURA as a motif. KAERI SAKURA means SAKURA cherry blossoms that bloom twice a year, both in spring and autumn, in Japan. As you know, SAKURA cherry blossoms usually bloom in spring, however they sometimes bloom again, if the weather suddenly becomes warm in the autumn season. They are beautiful blooming, but look somehow lonesome. This design just reflects the Japanese aesthetic of WABI SABI.

The technique called GOHONDE, colorful lines of orange, is seen on the inside and outside of this bowl. It is impossible to fully control the contrasting density of GOHONDE, so that GOHONDE is a little different in each work. The refined white color of this bowl and GOHONDE colorful rings add balance and warmth to the atmosphere and emphasize the beauty of this bowl.

This work features KANNYU, a type of glaze and technique which gives the appearance of a cracked surface. The KANNYU pattern faintly appears over the whole surface of this bowl, which deepens the warm atmosphere.

Kiitsu’s world is elegantly painted on this Matcha bowl. We are certain that the atmosphere of this bowl will enrich the flavor of Matcha. You will enjoy the aesthetic and unique atmosphere and supreme green tea moment with this KIITSU SAKURA ZU.

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