HIWA KAUN - pair (handcrafted Teacup)

Handcrafted Teacup: pair 200ml (6.76fl oz) each, diameter: 2.95inches (7.5cm) height: 3.54inches (9cm)
Sophisticated Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Ichiraku Yamamoto at Ichiraku Kiln

This porcelain Yunomi features remarkable yet subtle carving and delicate vivid painting, which is sustained by quite high level traditional techniques and intense effort over time. All of the sequence paintings of this Yunomi are traditional auspicious patterns.

Linear patterns are modestly carved in S-shaped curves from middle to base on side. A rounded elevation wraps horizontally around the middle outside. It was created by a skilled technique requiring the artisan to painstakingly carve away everything except this elevated area. During the process, the Yunomi starts out quite thick and is carved to thin. It is deliberate work requiring much time, effort and mature technique.

Though the carving is not easily distinguishable from just a glance due to the beautifully compelling detail of the paintings, its form creates a unique and comforting atmosphere.

HIWA means faint green color named for a bird called HIWA. KAUN means flower and cloud in Japanese. HIWA faint green color is painted by a technique called DAMI. It is said that DAMI, meaning to fill only the blank space, is much more difficult than MAKIE, meaning to paint the whole surface, because DAMI requires the artisan to uniformly paint the pigment while avoiding all complicated patterns. So, the DAMI technique can’t be adopted to common porcelains but only extremely high grade ones. The design combination of flowers and abundant small clouds is very unique even in the Kyo Yaki industry, and it creates an elegant atmosphere.

Traditional waffle pattern called KOHSHI GARA on the inside rim and SEIKAIHA MONYO on the side of the base are also elegantly and carefully painted in zaffer glaze according to traditional methods of highest grade Kyo Yaki porcelain.

In Japan, highest quality Kyo Yaki porcelain such as this is purchased with the intent that it will be passed down from generation to generation. This Yunomi is the quintessential traditional highest quality Kyo Yaki porcelain, an ideal to which others aspire. We are certain that this Yunomi will be treasured by your family for generations.

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