IWAI KABUTO (handcrafted Matcha Bowl)

diameter: 4.72inch (12.0cm), height: 3.15inch (8cm), standard Matcha bowl size
Sophisticated Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Kohgiku Yamaoka in Kohgiku Kiln

IWAI means celebration and KABUTO means SAMURAI helmet. In Japan, there is a tradition of decorating rooms with Samurai helmets and armor on Children's Day, called TANGO no SEKKU. Framed in gold and carefully colored in red, green, and black, the KABUTO painted on the surface of this elegant and decorative Matcha bowl is both powerful and charming.

TANGO no SEKKU is a traditional event that has been held since the Nara period (710-794), when people prayed for the safety of their children by displaying Samurai helmets. Samurai helmets were thought to protect against all kinds of disasters.

The glittering KABUTO, framed in gold and colored in red, black, and green, is painted with great care, down to the most delicate details. The design on the inside of the KABUTO, which is repeated on this Matcha bowl, is called SEIKAIHA MON. SEIKAIHA is an endless wave pattern and MON means crest in Japanese. SEIKAIHA is auspicious, with a wish for lasting forever happiness and a peaceful life.

In addition to KABUTO, this Matcha bowl also depicts flags and arrows once used in warfare. In particular, the colorful red, purple, and green paintings to the left of the KABUTO are war signs called SENNARIBYOTAN. This means "thousand gourds" and is known to be particularly auspicious.

Colorful patches of orange are called GOHONDE, a traditional technique that adds warmth to the 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.

KABUTO is a well-known Japanese motif that symbolizes a wish for a child’s wellbeing, protection and success. This Matcha bowl would make a perfect gift, and is also ideal for daily use. This brilliant Matcha bowl will add even more color to your green moment.

Specially packaged in a carton box.
Lead-free. Made in Japan.
(Please note that each piece is unique due to the techniques employed by the artisan. There are natural variations in each piece.)