This is a matcha bowl (抹茶碗, chawan) crafted in the tradition of Kyoto Kiyomizu-yaki (京焼 清水焼), one of Japan’s most celebrated ceramic lineages with roots tracing back to the tea culture of Kyoto.
The bowl is formed in a graceful, slightly flared shape, ideal for whisking and serving matcha. Its surface is adorned with richly colored hand-painted motifs of chrysanthemums and foliage, executed in vivid greens, deep blues, and warm reds. These decorative elements embody the elegance and refinement for which Kiyomizu-yaki is renowned, balancing classical Japanese floral symbolism with the lightness and delicacy of Kyoto’s aesthetic.
The creamy white ground enhances the vibrancy of the overglaze enamels, while subtle crackling in the glaze lends a sense of warmth and depth. As both a functional tea utensil and an object of art, this chawan reflects the harmony, refinement, and seasonal beauty that lie at the heart of the Japanese tea ceremony.
