SEKKA SOUKA ZU - TSUTA (handcrafted: 200ml)

Handcrafted teacup: 200ml (7.04fl oz), diameter: 3.14inches (8cm) height: 3.54inches (9cm)
Sophisticated Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Zenshoh Yamaoka at Zenshoh Kiln

(Please note: Because this item is made-to-order, it takes approximately 3 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.)

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 Sekka collections. Zenshoh Yamaoka chose JYUNIKAGETSU SOUKA ZU. Each painting is well decorated by his unique sense.

Sekka Kamisaka, who was born in Kyoto, is an artist and designer in recent and modern times. He is deeply committed to paintings of the RINPA school, and was greatly influenced by the design of Honami Kouetsu and Kohrin Ogata from the RINPA Japanese painting school. The characteristics of his painting are its bold composition and layout. Also, TARASHIKOMI technique, where colors are dripped into not fully dried ink is frequently used. Both techniques originate from the characteristics of RINPA school, so he is considered as the successor of RINPA (For more information, please visit What is RINPA?).

TSUTA means ivy in Japanese. TSUTA ivy is often used as a symbol of autumn in the world of RINPA. Not only TSUTA ivy but also purple YOMENA aster, which are wild autumnal flowers, are depicted on the outside of this cup, trailing calmly in the autumn breeze.

This Yunomi looks quite simple, but the layout of the TSUTA ivy, YOMENA aster and its color usage create a noble atmosphere. TSUTA ivy turning red is vigorously and boldly drawn on the surface. Beautiful and brilliant purple YOMENA aster flowers make an appearance behind the TSUTA ivy. The contrast between the bold TSUTA ivy and modest YOMENA aster create a dynamic and well-balanced composition. The veins of the TSUTA ivy are also decorated in gold, and its fine lines add to the graceful atmosphere. TSUTA ivy and YOMENA aster, together with the touches of golden glaze, evoke the autumn season.

Brilliant purple YOMENA asters are decorated on the lower part of the Yunomi teacup. Each petal is painted with a refined touch, and its beautiful color accents the TSUTA ivy, and the teacup itself. Even though the delicate YOMENA asters are hidden behind the leaves of TSUTA ivy, they capture our attention.

TARASHIKOMI, which is one of the RINPA techniques, is used on the TSUTA ivy leaves. TARASHIKOMI is when colors are dripped into not-fully dried ink. The coincidental effect of the blur creates unique and unforeseeable coloring. Different from folding screens and hanging scrolls, it is very difficult to use this technique on ceramic teaware, but its faithful reproduction of Sekka's work expresses the realistic image of TSUTA. Technically painted leaves have a texture close to the appearance of true TSUTA.

The very simple yet well-balanced layout of TSUTA ivy and YOMENA aster evoke a noble atmosphere. When gazing at this Yunomi, one can almost feel the autumn wind. We are certain that this Yunomi teacup will enhance the taste of Japanese green tea.

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.)