This rare and elegant Kyō-yaki (京焼) square chawan is a refined example of Kyoto’s long tradition of artistic tea ceramics. It features of the ten'en chihō (天円地方) design “a round heaven and a square earth,” the bowl combines a softly rounded interior and rim with a subtly squared body. This symbolic form expresses the harmony between heaven and earth, nature and humanity, a philosophy deeply appreciated within the Japanese tea ceremony.
The exterior is adorned with a flowing ribbon-like design embellished with delicate sakura (cherry blossom) motifs, meticulously outlined in gold and accented with subtle shades of green, blue, red, and soft violet. The blossoms drift gracefully across the surface, evoking the fleeting beauty of spring and the Japanese appreciation for impermanence. Fine crackling (kannyū) beneath the glaze adds depth and texture, enhancing the bowl's gentle, timeworn character.
Kyō-yaki, produced in Kyoto since the Edo period, is celebrated for its painterly decoration, refined craftsmanship, and close connection to the tea ceremony. Unlike many regional wares that emphasize rusticity, Kyoto ceramics are often distinguished by their elegant forms and sophisticated hand-painted ornamentation. This chawan beautifully embodies those qualities, balancing artistic delicacy with the quiet functionality required for chanoyu.
Its rare square form offers a unique tactile experience when preparing and drinking matcha, while the broad interior provides an ideal surface for whisking tea. The combination of unusual shape, intricate sakura decoration, and Kyoto craftsmanship makes this piece particularly appealing to collectors of tea utensils and Japanese ceramics.
Size: 11 x 11 x 8cm
