This elegant Kiyomizu-yaki (清水焼), a Kyoto-style pottery also known as Kyo-yaki (京焼), matcha bowl is titled “Sakura” (桜). It was crafted in the 55th year of the Shōwa era (昭和五十五年, 1980), corresponding to the Year of the Monkey (申).
This piece is a award winner and recommended by the Kyoto Tea Ceremony Crafts Association and Japan Tea Ceremony Cultural Association.
The bowl is decorated with a refined seasonal design: soft brushstrokes of pale blue and warm beige suggest the vertical lines of bamboo, while a deep indigo sakura blossom blooms on the surface. The gentle green shading along the rim adds depth and balance, evoking the freshness of spring. The sakura motif symbolizes renewal, joy, and the fleeting beauty of life—making this tea bowl especially suited for spring tea gatherings (haru no chakai).
Kiyomizu-yaki, produced in Kyoto since the early Edo period, is celebrated for its delicate craftsmanship, elegant hand-painting, and refined forms. This piece reflects the artistry of Kyoto’s tea utensils, harmonizing function with seasonal beauty.
