Somayama Ware Matcha Chawan by Minamiguchi Kansui — Kenzan-Style Chestnut Design, Original Box

A Somayama ware matcha chawan by the artist Minamiguchi Kansui, hand-painted in the Kenzan style with a striking chestnut motif — gold-toned chestnuts nestled in spiky brown burrs, paired with green and gold-brushed leaves against a soft grey stoneware ground. The interior is left in a plain grey glaze with a dark brown rim line. The bowl has a gently irregular, hand-thrown form with a pink-toned unglazed footring bearing the artist’s impressed seal mark. Comes in its original fitted wooden presentation box with straw packing.

The Kenzan style refers to the decorative tradition established by Ogata Kenzan, known for bold, painterly nature motifs on rustic stoneware — this chestnut design, with its mix of gold, brown, and green, is a classic seasonal (autumn) subject in that lineage.

Details:

• Origin: Somayama ware, Japan — artist: Minamiguchi Kansui

• Form: Matcha chawan, hand-thrown irregular body, unglazed footring

• Decoration: Kenzan-style hand-painted chestnut and leaf motif in gold, brown, and green

• Glaze: Grey stoneware ground with dark brown rim accent, plain grey glazed interior

• Marking: Impressed artist seal on base (see photos)

• Condition: Good vintage/secondhand condition — note any chips, glaze wear, or crazing (see photos)

• Includes: Original fitted wooden presentation box with straw packing

• Dimensions: (L) 12.5cm x (H) 8cm