*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 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 hotaru, or fireflies as they are known in English. A popular pastime during the rainy season is to go ‘hotaru-gari’, which means hunting for fireflies. Fireflies inhabit small streams and rice fields, and they have appeared in Japanese literature dating back to the 8th century. It is also believed that the lights are the souls of departed soldiers who died in war. This is a beautiful piece for the warmer months, particularly in early summer when the fireflies are out lighting up the streams. The stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom, and it comes with its original signed wooden storage box. 

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

Box:  H.9.8cm (3.8”) x 15.5cm (6.1”) x 15.5cm (6.1”)

Chawan:  H.6cm (2.3”) x Dia.13cm (5.1”)                                                                                  

Condition

It’s in very good condition with no chips or cracks, however the interior of the bowl is very lightly seasoned.  Also the interior of the box is a little spotty, and there’s some discolouration on the lid of the box (both the inside and outside).                                     

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 ePacket (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail ePacket (please send us a message).

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

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

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.