*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS.

This listing is for a splendid Kyo-ware hira chawan made around 20 years ago by noted potter, Hashimoto Shiun.  It is wheel-thrown and the flat hira type used during the summer season.  Hira chawan are shallow bowls with low sides designed to cool tea down faster.  The bowl in this listing is decorated with a cormorant perched on the edge of a small fishing boat, and a basket with fire to light the way.  Cormorant fishing, or ukai as its known in Japanese, is a 1300 year old tradition that takes place during summer.  Fishermen in long wooden boats lead cormorants that swim alongside the boat to catching fish.  The event attracts many visitors during the summer season, and master fishermen have official patronage from the emperor.  This is a splendid piece entirely hand-painted.  These days Kyo-ware pieces are often decorated using stencils or transfers, Hashimoto’s wares command higher prices because his designs are original and painted by hand.  The stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom, and it comes with its original signed wooden storage box.  It also comes with two Japanese language profile papers about the potter, and an outer paper box to protect the wooden tomobako.  *PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CHASHAKU TEA SCOOP IS NOT INCLUDED.

Hashimoto Shiun (b.1940) is the son of noted potter Hashimoto Jogaku, and the second generation master of the Narutaki Gama located in the Gojozaka district in Kyoto.  In 1964 he graduated from Doshisha University and began working for Kawashima Textiles School, and this inspired him to take up pottery and learn the Ninsei-Kenzan style of brushwork from his father.  He spent years working on the Ninsei technique, gradually becoming one the most skilled painters of his generation.  In 2003 he took over the family kiln, and he still continues with solo exhibitions in the Kansai region.  He is a full-time member of the Kyoto Arts and Crafts Association, and his tea ware is in high demand among Kyo-ware enthusiasts.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and cannot be used in your own listings.

Kyo-ware originated in the 17th century in Kyoto and features overglaze enamel pigments on a porcelain base. The porcelain base acts as white canvas, allowing for beautiful and superior quality designs to be painted. Kyo-ware artisans traditionally produced chawan and utensils for the tea ceremony, however contemporary potters specialize in tableware, tea ceremony items, incense holders, and okimono. Kyo-ware was designated as a traditional craft in 1977.

Sizes

Outer Paper Box:  H.12cm (4.7”) x 17cm (6.6”) x 17cm (6.6”)

Box:  H.10cm (3.9”) x 15.5cm (6.1”) x 15.5cm (6.1”)

Chawan:  H.6cm (2.3”) x Dia.12.7cm (5”)

Condition

It’s in very good condition with no chips or cracks and is a completely unused item.

THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION         

**Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia:  NO SHIPPING.  Very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to these countries.  We have no plan to register at this time because the process is in some cases very expensive and complicated, plus each country has its own set of regulations and application process. 

**USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Asia:  Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-21 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico:  EMS Express 10-15 days.

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.