This exquisite Kiyomizu-yaki (清水焼) chawan was crafted by Heian Shōhō (平安松峰) of the renowned Shōhō-gama lineage, this chawan represents a treasured chapter in Kyoto ceramic history. The bowl belongs to the classic body of work produced by the earlier generation master, whose elegant tea wares laid the foundation for a family tradition that continues today through his son and successor, the celebrated ceramic artist Noriyuki Ogawa (小川宣之). This continuity of craftsmanship lends the piece not only artistic beauty, but also the significance of an enduring Kyoto heritage.
The bowl is beautifully decorated with a seasonal scene of crimson maple leaves (momiji) and delicate white blossoms, gracefully unfolding across the surface against a warm ivory ground. Twisting tree branches, accented with touches of gold, lend depth and movement to the composition, evoking the changing seasons and the quiet beauty of a Kyoto garden. The contrast between the vibrant autumn leaves and pure white flowers creates a poetic dialogue between renewal and transience—a theme deeply cherished in Japanese aesthetics.
Rendered entirely by hand, the decoration showcases the painterly finesse for which Kyoto ceramics are renowned. Fine gold outlining highlights each leaf and blossom, while subtle crackling beneath the glaze enhances the bowl's gentle character and sense of age. Unlike the rustic simplicity often associated with other regional wares, Kiyomizu-yaki is admired for its refined ornamentation, delicate brushwork, and close relationship with the tea ceremony.
