KINSAI HINODE TSURU (handcrafted Matcha Bowl)

diameter: 4.92inch (12.5cm) height: 3.14inch (8cm), standard matcha bowl size
Traditional Kyo-Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Ohkoku Yamaoka at Ohkoku Kiln

This Matcha bowl illustrates several Japanese auspicious objects. The rising sun comes from the mountain, and the red color of sunlight pours across the sky. A pair of TSURU cranes, which is considered to be one of the most auspicious compositions in Japanese art, flies along Mt. Fuji, the peak of which is covered with snow. The golden color of the clouds adds to the striking composition.

KINSAI means coloring with gold, HINODE means sunrise, and TSURU means crane in Japanese. The color of the sky gradually changes to vibrant red as the sun rises. The snow covers the peak of the mountain, and a pair of white cranes flies against the red color of morning dawn. The contrast between the red and the white colors creates a noble atmosphere, and the golden color of the clouds inside and outside the bowl accentuates its gracefulness.

The use of red color is very unique and creative. The sun is painted inside the Matcha bowl, and the red color gradually changes from the outer to the inner part. The sun, covered with many coats of red color, is very vibrant and elaborate work. The color of the sun is also reflected on the outside of the bowl. The sky is glowing brighter little by little as the sun rises. The ridge of the mountain is decorated with strong red color, and its color gradually fades to white toward the sky. The gradation technique creates the beautiful Japanese scenery, and evokes the mystery of nature.

The color white also has an important role on this bowl. Red and white are traditionally well-loved colors and are used for auspicious events in Japan. The peak of Mt. Fuji, which is also one of the auspicious objects, is capped with snow, and a pair of cranes, which is one of the traditional auspicious compositions symbolizing longevity, flies gracefully in the foreground. The snow-capped peak and the white cranes are well matched to the red color of morning sunlight, and its contrast creates a noble atmosphere. Adding to its contrast, golden color clouds, which are also an auspicious composition used in Japanese traditional crafts, add a gorgeous accent to the bowl.

This bowl conveys a divine and auspicious atmosphere. Each decoration is very elaborate and refined, and not only the color contrast but also the combination of the red sun, white cranes, and golden clouds creates a graceful atmosphere. Once you prepare Matcha in this bowl, its lovely green color adds to the gracefulness of the composition, as the painting enhances the noble and rich taste of the Matcha green tea.

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.)