This Kiyomizu-yaki tsutsu-gata chawan (matcha bowl) has a tall, cylindrical shape, and features a warm kohiki glaze, decorated with a pair of standing cranes (tachizuru - 立鶴).

This bowl recalls the famous Edo-era 'Gohon-tachizuru' (御本立鶴) chawan, supposedly ordered by Kobori Enshu. But rather than be another of a thousand copies of this famous chawan, this bowl puts a unique spin on this classic style.

Kohiki (粉引) is a traditional slipware ceramic style that originated in the short-lived Buncheong Deombeongi ceramics of late 15th century Korea. In an attempt to create an affordable mimicry of Chinese white porcelain, iron-rich clay was dipped in white slip (liquified clay) and covered with a translucent ash glaze. Korean kohiki chawan were brought to Japan, where they were revered as masterpieces (名物-meibutsu) by tea masters. Recently, this rustic style has seen a resurgence in popularity owing to its timeless, natural elegance. Compared to the harsh white of porcelain, kohiki vessels have a soft, warm, and organic feel. Kohiki (粉引) translates to 'powdered', evoking the soft white of traditional makeup powder.

The porous nature of kohiki ware means that over time, it will develop a deep, rich patina as tea seeps its way into the glaze. As such they are seen as 'breathing vessels' that age and develop alongside their owners.

Like all porous glazes, they should be filled with hot water before each use to 'awaken' the glaze and even out the aging process.

Made by Heian Nishiyama (平安西山) of Nishiyama Kiln (西山窯): a kiln founded in 1925 and currently headed by a third generation craftsman.

Kiyomizu-yaki (清水焼) (also called Shimizu-yaki) is a type of Japanese pottery that traditionally comes from Gojōzaka district near Kiyomizu Temple, in Kyoto, Japan. A subset of Kyo-yaki which refers to all pottery made in the Kyoto area, Kiyomizu ware has been produced since the 16th century

Dimensions:

10.2cm (4in) - width
9.2cm (3.6in) - height
250ml - capacity

Condition: Excellent

This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States