This Kiyomizu-yaki 清水焼 chawan by Okamoto Genchi 岡本原知 beautifully captures the elegance of Kyoto ceramic tradition through its delicate painting and graceful form. The bowl features a gently flared rim and balanced foot, creating a light yet stable presence suitable for formal tea practice.
The surface is covered in a soft, pale glaze with subtle blushes of pink and faint speckling, giving the piece a luminous, atmospheric quality. Across the exterior unfolds the motif of 太鼓橋図 (Taikobashi-zu)—a drum-shaped arched bridge—rendered in fine black linework with warm gold accents. The bridge spans a flowing stream, accompanied by stylized pine trees and delicate landscape elements, evoking the serene scenery often found in classical Japanese gardens and shrine architecture.
The taikobashi, with its elegant curve, is traditionally associated with sacred spaces and symbolizes transition, passage, and spiritual crossing. Its depiction on this bowl adds poetic depth, suggesting movement between worlds—an appropriate theme for the contemplative ritual of tea.
Inside, the glaze remains soft and luminous, providing a gentle backdrop that would enhance the vibrant green of whisked matcha. The unglazed foot reveals the warm tone of the clay body, grounding the composition with natural warmth.
As a work of Kiyomizu-yaki from Kyoto, this chawan reflects the region’s long-standing reputation for refined craftsmanship, painterly decoration, and harmonious balance between form and imagery. Okamoto Genchi’s execution demonstrates precision and sensitivity, blending traditional motif with subtle elegance, making this bowl both a functional tea vessel and a quietly expressive work of ceramic art.
Size: 13 x 13 x 8cm
