Rinse in warm water before use. Wash gently by hand with warm water and a soft cloth or sponge after use, then dry thoroughly with a tea towel to prevent water marks. Do not put in dishwasher or microwave. Exposure to very high temperatures or rapid temperature changes may cause damage.
Matcha Bowl
Genji Monogatari Suma
Studio Zensho
SKU
0170
A small and charming Matcha Chawan in a classic Kiyomizu-yaki style, hand-painted with a scene from The Tale of Genji, where the titular character is exiled at the rural coastal town of Suma. Illuminated with gold, this bowl is perfect for tea ceremonies.
| Item | Chawan tea bowl |
| Style | Kyo-/Kiyomizu-yaki |
| Origin | Kyoto, Japan |
| Studio | Zensho 善昇窯 |
| Dimensions | Ø11 x 10.5cm |
| Material | Ceramic |
| Shape | Wan-nari (椀形) |
| Colour | Grey, gold, navy, green, orange |
| Stamp | Seal to base |
| Packaging | Signed wooden box (Tomobako) |
Each piece is handcrafted and unique, therefore finish and dimensions will vary slightly
In stock
Zensho 善昇窯
The Zensho kiln in Kyoto was founded in 1969 by Yamaoka Zensho (山岡善昇). Born in Mie prefecture in 1942, after graduating from the Kyoto Prefectural Ceramics Vocational Training Institute in 1959 he became an apprentice to the first generation Zenpo. In 2002 he was certified as a Traditional Craftsman.
Chawan 茶碗
The tea bowl, known as a Chawan or Matchawan (抹茶碗, literally: "matcha tea bowl") in Japanese, originated in China and began to be imported to Japan in the 13th century. To this day, the Chawan is used in the Japanese tea ceremony to serve Koicha: a thick, dark tea made with the finest matcha, as well as Usucha: a thinner, frothier, diluted version – and how matcha is typically prepared for everyday drinking. Chawan come in a variety of shapes and regional styles, sometimes with the addition of seasonal motifs, making them popular collectors' items.
Kyo-yaki 京焼
Kyo- and Kiyomizu-yaki (清水焼), used together or interchangeably, refers to pottery produced in the Kyoto area, covering a variety of different styles. Historically Kiyomizu-yaki exclusively referred to pottery made on the road leading up to the ancient Kiyomizu Temple (now a UNESCO World Heritage site). From 794 to 1603 Kyoto was the imperial capital, attracting the most skilled artisans across the country. Even after the seat of government moved to Edo, present day Tokyo, Kyoto continued to be the cultural and spiritual centre of Japan. Typical Kyoto wares are decorated with colourful hand-painted motifs using overglaze enamel pigments: a technique that appeared in the 17th century and is still a hallmark of Kyo-yaki today.
