Kyoto Ware Tea Bowl — Pine, Bamboo and Plum with Scattered Stars, Enamel and Gold

This Kyoto-ware (Kyō-yaki) matcha bowl is decorated with small, widely spaced motifs on a soft ivory ground. There is a pair of plum blossoms, one red and one white. Kōhaku (紅白, red and white) is the classic celebratory colour pairing in Japan. There is also a sprig of bamboo leaves and a stylized pine in turquoise and red with a looping gold stem. Together, pine, bamboo and plum form shōchikubai (松竹梅), the traditional trio of good fortune, especially associated with the New Year.

Around them, small five-pointed stars in black and gold are scattered across the body. They give the design a light, playful rhythm and suggest a clear winter night sky. The generous empty space between the motifs is deliberate, letting each small image stand on its own against the glaze.

The motifs are painted in overglaze enamels in red, white and turquoise, outlined in gold, following the Kyoto iro-e tradition. The ivory glaze carries a fine allover crackle (kannyū), and the interior is left plain, with a smooth, open well for whisking.

Details:

• Origin: Kyoto, Japan — Kyō-yaki

• Maker: Impressed potter's seal (unread)

• Form: Matcha tea bowl, rounded wan-nari shape

• Glaze: Ivory glaze with fine allover crackle (kannyū)

• Decoration: Overglaze enamel and gold. Red and white plum blossoms, bamboo leaves and a stylized pine (shōchikubai), with scattered black and gold stars.

• Base: Unglazed cream clay foot ring with trimmed spiral, impressed seal on the lower wall

• Condition: Good vintage/secondhand condition. Please see photos for any wear beyond the characteristic crackle.

• Dimensions: (D) approx. 12 cm x (H) approx. 8 cm