SEKKA SOUKA ZU - pair (FUJI / BOTAN)

Handcrafted Teacup: pair: 200ml (7.04fl oz) each, 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?).

(FUJI)
FUJI means Japanese wisteria. Japanese wisteria is loved in Japan for its purple color which is also called FUJI. BYODOIN Temple, which is on the world heritage list and located in Uji, Kyoto, is also famous for FUJI Japanese wisteria planted spectacularly and elegantly in the garden. Purple color FUJI wisteria elegantly painted on this teacup evokes the coming of spring.

FUJI wisteria is boldly drawn in the center of this Yunomi cup. Even though each flower is diminutive, the bright and vivid colors of the petals and leaves create a bold impression. The veins are decorated in gold, which adds to the elegant atmosphere. They are painted in a curved line with a refined touch, which creates the beautiful image of the FUJI wisteria.

In contrast to the strong color of the flowers, the branch and trunk are painted in pale brown. Even though they are decorated in monotone color, the gradation technique creates the realistic image. This is one of the key RINPA techniques and called TARASHIKOMI. 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.

The expression of spring flowers evokes the joy of spring, especially new life. We are certain that this Yunomi will enrich the taste of Japanese green tea, which is a gift from nature.

(BOTAN)
BOTAN means peony in Japanese. The peony has been loved by the people of Japan since ancient times. It is considered to be the “king” of the flowers. The peony is also one of the flowers which symbolize honor and love.

Two peony flowers are elegantly painted on the front side. One flower is in full bloom, and another one is still in bud and about to bloom. Each petal gradually opens, as though waiting for the joy of blossoming, evoking the image of the vitality of nature.

One of the unique points of this Yunomi is the use of color. Only three colors, which are white, yellow and black, are mainly used to paint the peony flowers. This simple yet dynamic design conveys the elegance of the peony flower. In addition, black curved lines create the characteristics of the peony’s petals, which are very soft and layered. Not only the elegance of the peony flower, but also its real characteristics are well described on this Yunomi.

The leaves of the peony flower are also decorated with a refined touch. Each leaf is painted with the use of color gradation, and this technique creates the realistic image of peony leaves. The veins are colored in gold, and it enhances the elegance on the dark color leaves.

The white peony, which blooms elegantly, evokes the coming of spring. The bud portrays the joy of new lives just beginning. The dynamically designed petals represent the strength of nature and enhance the peony flowers much more. Would you enjoy the realistic scenery of seasonal transition with your favorite green tea?

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