KISSHOH UME (handcrafted Matcha Bowl)

diameter: 4.92inch (12.5cm) height: 3.15inch (8.0cm), standard Matcha bowl size
Traditional Kyo-Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Bahan Sakata at Bahan Kiln

This Matcha bowl features a graceful and unique natural atmosphere. The combination of the paintings and the decoration of gold brings an extremely elegant atmosphere. The harmony and contrast of natural clay and the elegant decoration are very rare and unique.

KISSHOH of this name means auspicious and UME means plum in Japan. UME plum, which is regarded as an auspicious motif in Japan, are painted elegantly. It looks ethereal as if in a dream. Gold pigment is used to create the modestly exquisite atmosphere. Clouds are graciously expressed with white and gold pigments.

Red plum blossoms and white plum blossoms, called KOUHAKU BAI, which are regarded as auspicious, are painted on the surface of this Matcha bowl. The trunk and branches of the plum tree are painted with black color pigment and then gold pigment is soaked there. The gold color is beautifully gradated. The technique is called TARASHIKOMI.

Petals in full bloom, buds, and side faces of petals are bright, gorgeous and elegant, as if you could almost smell the sweet aroma of plum. Clouds and haze are painted in gold, which add to the dreamlike and ethereal atmosphere.

The artisan Bahan Sakata coats the clay with a white glaze called SHIRO KESHO and brush pattern called HAKEME before firing. After the first firing, he coats the piece with black glaze and inhomogenously wipes it away. In this way, some white is visible through the dark brown colored glaze which deepens the WABI SABI atmosphere. The white brush pattern inside of this Matcha bowl helps both to deepen the visual quality and to make the green of the Matcha appear especially bright.

There is a small dent on the center of the front side, which is called EKUBO meaning dimple in Japanese. It moderately adds an accent, and fits easily with the thumb when being held.

As above, this is a deliberate work, which has the excellent harmony and unique contrast of elegant painting and the subtle atmosphere of natural clay. To consider the fineness of this work, and the time and care taken in its creation, it is set at quite a reasonable price. From the moment you see this bowl and use it for the first time, you will certainly understand the quality of its fine artistry, and your appreciation will deepen over time.

Specially packaged in a carton box.
Lead-free. Made in Japan.