These pieces are wood-fired without an encasing to create beautiful variations, textures, and natural warping of the shape from exposure to the open flames. This doesn't come without a sacrifice as a third of the work is lost in the process. Trial by fire! Each piece is intricately carved and perfectly thrown and take almost a year to finish. The clay and sand for the glaze are extremely rare and takes up most of the artist's time in acquiring. The weight of the details is balanced by the incredibly thin walls and lightweight. Each piece is a pleasure to hold in the hand and the body will change color and develop a beautiful patina over time.
Exhibition quality, hand-painted with a classic scenery depicting sages viewing mountains and clouds. Tea bowls are the perfect accompaniment for a one-person tea session where the entire teapot is poured into this large vessel for leisurely enjoyment. The tea bowl can also be used as a smallish chawan for matcha.
Written on the bowl is the famous poem "Qing Ming" by the Tang poet Du Mu:
"Raindrops pelt down on the day of Qingming,
Passerbys on the road appear lifeless.
May I ask, where is the nearest tavern?
The shepherd boy points to Xinghua Village that lies far, far away."
Du Mu describes the despondent state of a lonely traveler still on the road while others are already reunited with their families. The traveler's state of mind and despair are accentuated by the unceasing rain but a sense of hope is conveyed when a shepherd boy points the traveler in the direction of an inn in Xing Hua Village where he is able to find shelter and lodging as well as food, wine, and tea.
Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, is a special day set aside for families to pay their respect for their ancestors. Although some families mourn for the dead, others view this holiday as a spring outing to enjoy the beginning of spring, since Qingming occurs at the peak of tea picking season when the temperatures rise and rainfall increases.
Artist:
Toyomasu Kazuo
Origin:
Arita, Japan
Notes:
Signed Wooden Box Included
Size:
Width x Height
8.5 x 9
250ml capacity
