This vintage 京焼（Kyō-yaki）chawan is an elegant example of Kyoto’s refined ceramic tradition, created by Katō Shōzan 加藤昌山. The bowl is formed with a well-balanced, gently flaring profile that sits lightly in the hands, reflecting the Kyoto aesthetic of grace and restraint. Its warm ivory-toned glaze provides a soft, luminous ground, subtly pooling toward the foot and revealing a fine, quiet crackle that speaks to age and careful firing.
Around the exterior, delicately painted motifs unfold in a classical Kyō-yaki manner: seasonal flowers arranged in fan-shaped panels, accented by flowing gold lines that suggest wind or clouds. The palette—muted greens, soft reds, deep purples, and restrained touches of gold—creates a sense of quiet richness without excess. Each brushstroke is controlled yet expressive, showing the painterly sensitivity for which Kyoto potters are especially admired.
The interior remains largely unadorned, allowing the vibrant green of whisked matcha to stand out beautifully, while the modestly trimmed foot grounds the piece with understated dignity. Overall, this chawan embodies the refined elegance of Kyoto ceramics, where decorative sophistication and functional harmony meet, making it well suited both for use in the tea ceremony and for appreciation as a work of art.
It may show flaws or imperfections. Please review the photos carefully for the exact condition. Size: 12 x 12 x 7cm
