KINSAI ORI TSURU (handcrafted Matcha Bowl)

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

ORI TSURU paper cranes and plum blossoms are painted in a casual manner on this Matcha bowl. Red and white color plum blossoms create a noble atmosphere, and the golden color of the clouds also adds a noble accent to the bowl. A pair of cranes made from Japanese traditional paper is surrounded by two colors of plum blossoms. It seems that the design and decoration is very simple, but as we look at this bowl carefully, we will notice the profound significance.

KINSAI means coloring with gold, and ORI TSURU is a paper crane in Japanese. A pair of paper cranes colored in green and red is gracefully decorated with the use of golden color. Golden color is also used in plum blossoms, and the golden color of clouds adds gorgeousness to the bowl. Celebratory colors and objects create the noble atmosphere of the bowl.

Four colors, which are red, white, gold and green, are prominently used on this bowl, and all of them are considered to be the most auspicious colors in Japan. Especially, the contrast between red and white colors is an auspicious composition. Vibrant red and pure white color are used in the plum blossoms and paper crane. Contours of the plum blossoms and paper cranes, and clouds are graciously painted with golden color. Green color of a paper crane adds accent to the bowl, and harmonizes all the colors.

Auspicious motifs also create a noble atmosphere. Red and white color of plum blossoms are in full bloom inside and outside the bowl. A pair of paper cranes, which is a symbol of longevity colored in green and red sits under the plum grove. Interestingly, the patterns of paper cranes are pine and bamboo, indicating the celebratory combination symbol of pine, bamboo and plum blossoms, called SHOCHIKUBAI in Japanese. The crane itself is an auspicious motif, but its patterns also bring the meaning of celebration. Indeed, several auspicious objects are portrayed on this bowl.

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.

This bowl portrays several traditional objects thought to bring good fortune in Japan. The graceful and auspicious composition welcomes your green tea 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.)