(Please note: Because this item is made-to-order, it takes approximately 6 weeks from the time you order this item until the date it is shipped from Kyoto, Japan. Once ordered, any order change or cancel can NOT be accepted. If you order this item with other items, they will be shipped together.)

Diameter: 4.72inch (12cm) height: 3.15inch (8.0cm), 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 beautiful beads, and "PA" means school, so all works in RINPA are focusing on colorful and elegant expressions. RINPA artists favored vibrant colors, flat planes, and bold, rhythmic patterns, often using gold or silver backgrounds to create a sense of luxury.

The Tale of Genji is one of the oldest novels in the world. Written by noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu of the Japanese Imperial Court, this novel is composed of 54 stories and more than 800 WAKA Japanese poems. 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 tea cups featuring the Tale of Genji.

Sohtatsu Tawaraya (circa 1570 to 1643 - Year of birth and death unknown) was a craftsman of folding fan paintings. His paintings on fans were very famous in Kyoto during that time. His work not only focuses on painting fans, but also painting folding screens.

This Matcha bowl features a scene from a chapter called MIOTSUKUSHI where Hikaru Genji visited SUMIYOSHI shrine. After fulfilling his long-held wish to return to Kyoto and being promoted to Minister of the Interior, Hikaru Genji, who had been wandering in Suma and Akashi, makes a pilgrimage to express his gratitude to the gods. Lady Akashi (and her father, the monk) also visited the shrine the same day. Witnessing the splendid procession of Hikaru Genji's retinue, Lady Akashi acutely felt the overwhelming difference in status between the noble Genji and herself. Feeling intimidated, she attempted to leave without greeting them. Noticing Lady Akashi, Hikaru Genji composes a WAKA for her. “The deep green of the pine grove” and “the pines of Sumiyoshi” are depicted as symbols of their bond and eternal devotion. Immediately following this pilgrimage, events such as the entry of Princess Akashi (later Empress Akashi) into the imperial court proceeded, further cementing Genji's glory.

A single Matcha bowl condenses and captures a painted scene cut from this story. The center of the work captures an ancient court carriage parked in front of Sumiyoshi Shrine. The ocean spreads out wide, and a broad white shoreline extends behind our backs. The shoreline plays an important role in transitioning to another scene.

After slipping through the narrow pass under countless pine trees, a red TORII gate comes into view, and a bridge inviting visitors into the shrine grounds appears. Despite its limited canvas, the bowl succeeds in telling a vivid story that encapsulates the characters’ emotions.

Even as it recreates scenes from The Tale of Genji, the work carries unmistakable traces of Sohtatsu and the RINPA style - utilizing iconic and rhythmic depiction over strict realism, that can be seen in the ocean wave painted in pink and the pine trees. Moreover, the bowl is enriched by a luxurious gold‑leaf rim and the bold, opulent colors of WA-ENOGU, Japanese paints.

Inside the bowl, you see the soft orange line called GOHONDE, which is one of the traditional techniques. Its blurred, almost mist‑like quality creates a graceful transition between the pure white interior and the vivid colors on the exterior. This subtle touch softens the contrast and lends a quiet warmth to the bowl, enriching the luxurious and lively painting that surrounds it.

The design of this Matcha bowl not only expresses the gorgeous atmosphere in ancient times but also describes the emotion of the characters in the story of Tale of Genji. When gazing at this bowl, you will be drawn into the story.