This elegant Kyō-yaki 京焼 chawan by Nakamura Yohei 中村与平 exemplifies Kyoto’s refined ceramic artistry, where painterly decoration and seasonal sensitivity are central to the aesthetic.
The bowl features a softly rounded form with a gently flared rim and a neatly trimmed foot, creating a graceful silhouette typical of Kyoto tea wares. The clay body is coated in a luminous, milky-white glaze subtly tinged with warm blush tones, providing a delicate canvas for the richly detailed overglaze painting.
Encircling the exterior is a vibrant autumn maple motif (紅葉) rendered in deep red, golden yellow, and soft persimmon hues. The leaves appear to drift naturally along slender branches accented with touches of green enamel and fine gold detailing. The use of gold highlights adds quiet brilliance without overwhelming the composition, reflecting Kyoto’s courtly elegance. The interior remains softly glazed, ensuring that the vivid green of whisked matcha stands in beautiful contrast to the gentle tones of the bowl.
The foot reveals the warm clay beneath, with slight natural variations that remind the viewer of the handmade process behind the refined surface. This interplay between decorative precision and subtle imperfection embodies the balance sought in tea ceramics.
Nakamura Yohei belongs to a long-established Kyoto pottery lineage, with the Nakamura family kiln tracing its roots back generations in the Kiyomizu district. The Yohei name has historically been associated with high-quality Kyō-yaki that emphasizes seasonal motifs, meticulous brushwork, and harmony between form and painting.
There’s a tiny crack on the rim. Kindly review the photos for details on the item’s condition.
Size: 12 x 12 x 8cm
