Vintage item, never used. A refined Kyō-yaki 京焼 chawan (茶碗) for matcha, made by Teisei 定靖, also known in connection with Zuiun Kiln 瑞雲窯. decorated with a distinctive Japanese zodiac (十二支 / jūnishi) theme.
The bowl has a softly rounded form finished in a warm ivory-cream glaze with delicate fine crazing across the surface. Around the upper exterior runs an ornamental band composed of geometric panels containing zodiac characters and stylized motifs, rendered in red, turquoise, muted brown and gold. The restrained palette and fine painted details give the piece a distinctly elegant Kyoto character.
At the centre of the interior is the character 「申」 (saru), representing the Monkey, one of the twelve animals of the traditional East Asian zodiac. The character is framed by four turquoise leaf-like forms and outlined with gold, creating a small medallion that is gradually revealed as the matcha is enjoyed.
In the Japanese zodiac, 申 corresponds to the Year of the Monkey. The monkey is traditionally associated with cleverness, adaptability, curiosity and lively intelligence, making zodiac-themed ceramics especially meaningful as seasonal pieces or gifts for someone born in a Monkey year.
Kyō-yaki (京焼) refers to ceramics produced in Kyoto, a city deeply connected with the development of Japanese tea culture. Rather than being defined by a single clay or glaze, Kyō-yaki is celebrated for its diversity, delicate painting and sophisticated use of seasonal, literary and auspicious motifs. This bowl combines that refined decorative tradition with the understated character of a tea vessel.
The softly crackled glaze, gentle irregularities and muted earthy ground also lend the bowl a subtle wabi-sabi (侘寂) quality, balancing the precise zodiac decoration with the natural character of the ceramic surface.
Size: 12.5 x 12.5 x 7cm
