GUNKAKU ZU / FUJI ZU pair (handcrafted Teacup)

Handcrafted Teacup: GUNKAKU ZU 250ml (8.45oz), diameter: 3.35inches (8.5cm) height: 3.94inches (10cm)
FUJI ZU 230ml (7.78oz), diameter: 3.35inches (8.5cm) height: 3.54inches (9cm)
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 the beautiful beads, and "PA" means school, so all works in RINPA are focusing on colorful and elegant expression. RINPA is also known as one of the arts which express more unique Japanese sensitivity in Japanese modern art.

（GUNKAKU ZU) Houitsu Sakai (1761 - 1828), who was part of the third generation of RINPA, indurated RINPA in the Edo period. He is well known for his realistic description of birds, grasses and flowers, which he paints lively and elegantly.

Among his works, there is a picture book called ETEKAGAMI with a total of 72 illustrations, 36 on each side of the back of the book. The variety of his paintings, including portraits and HAIGA reflecting what was popular at the time, shows that he had mastered a wide range of painting techniques. This teacup is based on one of the paintings in the series, which depicts a crane.

GUNKAKU means a flock of TSURU cranes in Japanese. TSURU cranes have been viewed as a symbol of good fortune through the ages. The eight cranes are finely painted, capturing their various movements and expressions. In addition to the delicate, modern look of the cranes, the margins are painted in gold, adding a touch of glamour.

(FUJI ZU) Korin Ogata (1658-1716) was a painter and craftsman, and one of the leading artists of the Genroku culture of the mid-Edo period, from which the name RINPA derives. He is known for his unique, rich, and florid pictorial expression and more technical decorative style. His works were highly acclaimed in the West and popularized Japonism.

This teacup features the motif of Mt. Fuji, which is depicted on a fan pasted on one side of the SENMEN HARIMAZE TEBAKO (a fan with the bones removed and pasted on a box), a representative work of Korin Ogata and an important cultural property of Japan.

The pine trees growing at the foot of the mountain and Mt. Fuji towering behind it, covered with snow, look as if they are right in front of your eyes. The white color was painted repeatedly so as not to overlap the green color of the pine trees, and the white color was raised three-dimensionally. Although the design is simple, it is a very labor-intensive work. In the background, gold foil is applied like clouds, giving this teacup a luxurious presence.

If you look closely, you can see that even the KOHDAI (the base of the teacup) is painted. It is technically difficult to paint this part of the teacup, and it requires a great deal of skill and time. This kind of teacup is rare to find these days, and is a valuable item.

The view of Mt. Fuji, which we Japanese admire, is elegantly painted with limited use of color. The composition is simple, yet magnificent. Enjoy a cup of Japanese green tea with this Yunomi and create your own story of Mt. Fuji.

The graceful and exquisite atmosphere of the decoration and the natural feeling of the texture are well balanced on this teacup. The sturdy shape also fits your hands wonderfully well and makes you feel comfortable from the sense of touch.

To consider the fineness of this work and the time and care taken in its creation, it is set at quite a reasonable price. We are certain that you will be fascinated by this elaborate work.

Specially packaged in a wooden 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.)