This Kyō-yaki (京焼) chawan is an elegant example of Kyoto pottery, celebrated for its refined aesthetics and painterly decoration. The bowl is formed with a gently rounded profile and a balanced foot, creating a calm, dignified presence that sits comfortably in the hands during tea preparation. The creamy white glaze provides a soft, luminous ground, subtly crackled, which enhances the sense of age and quiet sophistication.
Encircling the exterior are finely painted fan (扇子) motifs, rendered in warm gold tones and accented with flowing turquoise lines that suggest wind or water in motion. Within the fans appear classical seasonal elements—pine, plum blossoms, and delicate floral details—symbols traditionally associated with longevity, renewal, and good fortune. Touches of purple and green add depth and rhythm to the composition, while the restrained use of gold lends a graceful brilliance without overpowering the overall harmony.
The interior remains largely unadorned, allowing the vivid green of matcha to stand out beautifully, a hallmark consideration in tea bowl design. This balance between decorative richness on the exterior and serenity within reflects Kyoto ware’s close relationship with the tea ceremony, where visual beauty and contemplative space coexist.
This Kyō-yaki chawan embodies the elegance and cultural sensitivity of Kyoto ceramics—decorative yet refined, expressive yet controlled—making it well suited both for formal tea gatherings and for appreciation as a work of traditional Japanese ceramic art.
