YUKIZASA ni TSURU (handcrafted Matcha Bowl)

diameter: 4.72inch (12cm) height: 3.35inch (8.5cm), standard matcha bowl size
Sophisticated Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Zenshoh Yamaoka at Zenshoh Kiln

RINPA is one of the major historical schools of Japanese painting, which flourished in the 17th century in Kyoto. "RIN" means the beautiful beads, and "PA" means school, so all works in RINPA are focusing on colorful and elegant expression. RINPA is also known as one of the arts which express more unique Japanese sensitivity in Japanese modern art.

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 Matcha bowls featuring RINPA paintings. Zenshoh Yamaoka chose HACHIKAKU ZU as a motif, which features eight cranes at ETEKAGAMI. This Matcha bowl is well decorated by his unique sense. Also, SECCHUCHIKUBAISHOHKIN ZU painted by Kiitsu Suzuki (1796 – 1858) provided inspiration to this YUKIZASA ni TSURU Matcha bowl.

Houitsu Sakai (1761 - 1828), who was part of the third generation of RINPA, indurated RINPA in the Edo period. He is well known for his realistic description of birds, grasses and flowers, which he paints lively and elegantly. One of his most famous works is JUNIKAGETSU KACHOU ZU, "Flowers and Birds of the Twelve Months" in English.

YUKIZASA means bamboo grass covered with snow, and TSURU means crane in Japanese. As this name indicates, a crane from HACHIKAKU ZU is painted. A crane looks up at the bamboo grass covered with snow. Zenshoh Yamaoka paints snow differently from SECCHUCHIKUBAISHOHKIN ZU. It is described much lighter and it looks as if snow is falling. The earthenware color of texture, which is called KENZAN, gives the bowl a warm atmosphere. Houitsu's work is well described, expressing the beauty and elegance of a crane in a winter landscape.

Colorful patches and ring of orange are called GOHONDE, a traditional technique that adds accent to the WABI SABI atmosphere of the work. It is impossible to fully control the contrasting density of GOHONDE, so that GOHONDE is a little different in each work. The orange color of GOHONDE and use of slight golden color adds a warm effect. Also, he applies iron glaze at the rim of the bowl to tighten the design. It is called KUCHIBENI (lipstick) or KUCHISABI.

The crane and winter landscape of bamboo grass illustrated on this bowl evoke the beauty of nature. The warm atmosphere is well expressed by GOHONDE and the crane looks quite lovely in the winter scenery. We are able to feel the great techniques of Zenshoh Yamaoka from this Matcha bowl. Once you pour Matcha into this bowl, the Japanese scenery will wrap the Matcha in soft warmth, and will enrich the taste of the Matcha.

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