This matcha bowl (chawan) features the decorative theme Koyomi-te 暦手, a motif inspired by traditional Japanese calendars, almanacs, and printed ephemera. Designs of this type often incorporate calligraphic text, seals, dates, and symbolic imagery, evoking the passage of time, seasonal change, and auspicious beginnings. Koyomi-te wares are especially appreciated in tea culture for their literary and historical resonance.
This piece is dated 平成11年 (Heisei 11), corresponding to 1999, placing its creation at the end of the 20th century. As such, it reflects a modern interpretation of classical calendar imagery, blending contemporary craftsmanship with motifs rooted in Edo-period visual culture.
Inside the chawan appears the character 福 (fuku), meaning good fortune, blessing, or happiness. This auspicious character is traditionally associated with prosperity and well-being, and its placement inside the bowl is especially meaningful in tea culture—symbolically revealing good fortune at the moment the bowl is emptied, or when the tea is fully enjoyed.
The presence of 福 reinforces the theme of welcoming blessings with the passage of time, making this chawan particularly suitable for celebratory occasions, New Year tea gatherings, or as a thoughtful gift imbued with positive symbolism.
Size: 13 x 13 x 7.5m
