Kyoto Ware Matcha Bowl (Chawan) — Black Glaze, Gold Starburst Motif, Gilded Rim

This Kyoto ware (Kyō-yaki / Kiyomizu-yaki) matcha bowl has a deep, glossy black-brown glaze decorated with radiating gold starbursts, each centred on a small five-pointed star. The motif continues on the inside walls, so the stars appear to float around the tea as you drink. A starry night sky is a traditional summer theme in the tea ceremony, especially around Tanabata (the Star Festival, 7 July), and the burst of fine lines also recalls hanabi (fireworks). That makes this a seasonal bowl well suited to summer. The gold is applied over the glaze (kinsai), a decorative technique closely associated with Kyoto potters, and the rim is finished with a fine gold line (kinbuchi).

The shape is a classic wan-nari (rounded bowl form). The walls are deep and rise almost straight to the rim, which leaves plenty of room for whisking. The lower body and foot are left unglazed, showing the fine cream-white clay body typical of Kyoto ware, with visible turning marks. 

Details:

• Origin: Japan, Kyoto ware (Kyō-yaki / Kiyomizu-yaki). Stamped with an impressed potter's seal (see photos).

• Form: Wan-nari (rounded bowl) chawan with a deep, straight-rising wall and a stepped, trimmed foot ring

• Glaze: Glossy black-brown iron glaze, inside and out

• Decoration: Gold overglaze (kinsai) starburst motifs with star centres on the exterior and interior walls; gold-lined rim

• Base: Unglazed foot and lower body, showing fine cream-white Kyoto clay with turning marks; impressed oval seal

• Seasonal theme: Starry night / Tanabata / summer

• Condition: Good secondhand condition. Please see photos for any glaze irregularities, pinholes, or gold wear. Gold decoration on the interior can soften with repeated whisking, so gentle hand-washing is recommended.

• Packaging: Supplied in a plain card box

• Dimensions: (Ø) approx. 12 cm x (H) approx. 7.8 cm