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

BYODOIN is one of the most admired landmarks in Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, and MOMIJI GESHIKI means “maple landscape” in Japanese. This Matcha bowl depicts the magnificent wooden hall surrounded by brilliant maple leaves, along with the natural scenery of Kyoto. AKI GASUMI refers to the hazy appearance of mountains and scenery during the autumn season.

The vermilion maple leaves, painted with meticulous brushstrokes, create a beautiful three-dimensional effect on the bowl. Beyond this autumn landscape, the majestic HOU-OU-DO (Phoenix Hall) rises gracefully. Gold decoration, known as KINSAI, is used to portray distant maples fading into a misty haze. AKI GASUMI has long been celebrated in haiku and other poetry as one of the quintessential features of autumn.

In Kyoto, the season for viewing autumn foliage is surprisingly brief, and there are very few places where one can witness the breathtaking combination of the Phoenix Hall and maple trees as shown on this Matcha bowl. The artisan Zenshoh Yamaoka is able to expertly capture this fleeting yet precious scene.

The warm orange patches, known as GOHONDE, are a traditional technique that add depth and atmosphere to the piece. These tones are created by iron in the clay, which changes in unpredictable ways depending on the kiln temperature, firing time, cooling speed, and other conditions. Even the most skilled artisans cannot fully control the variation in GOHONDE, so each piece is unique. This unpredictability is embraced as part of WABI-SABI. The glowing orange evokes the rising sun, symbolizing serenity, vitality, and quiet power, which is why generations of tea masters have cherished GOHONDE.

This Matcha bowl conveys the refined artistry of Zenshoh Yamaoka. When filled with Matcha, its gentle cherry blossom motif envelops the tea in a soft warmth, enhancing both its taste and its atmosphere.

Specially packaged in a carton box.
Lead-free. Made in Japan.
(Please note that there are individual differences in each piece and each piece is unique, due to the features of this work.)