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

This listing is for a Kyo-ware hira chawan made around 30 years ago by noted potter, Inui Nobuyuki.  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. Also Kyo-ware potters tend to put more focus on decorating the interior, as this part is readily seen by the tea drinker. The interior and exterior of the bowl in this listing is decorated with hand-painted depictions of morning glory flowers – cool and refreshing for summer.  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 a turmeric coloured wrapping cloth for when the item is not in use, as well as a Japanese language profile paper.   

Inui Nobuyuki (b.1948) is a Kyo-ware potter and current master of Shoryuji Gama.  In 1973 he graduated from the Kyoto Prefectural Ceramics Institute, and in 1975 he completed a two year course at the Kyoto Prefectural Ceramists' Technical Institute.   In 1977 he received the Sankei Shimbun Award at the Bi-ten Exhibition, and he held his first solo exhibition at a private gallery in Osaka.  In 1978 he was selected to exhibit at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition (Kinki region), and he received the Encouragement Award from the Bi-ten Exhibition.  In 1979 he began learning the tea ceremony from tea master Hisada Sosho, and he obtained his first selection for the Kyo and Raku Kiln Exhibition (his work was selected again the following three years).  In 1980 he participated in a four person group exhibition at Asahido Honten, a specialty Kyo-ware and Kiyomizu-ware store founded in 1870 (he exhibited there again the following three years).  From 1981-1989 he held many solo exhibitions, and he also participated in several group exhibitions.  In 1985 he opened Shoryuji Gama and he became the master of Igenoyama Kofun burial tomb near Shoryuji Temple.  In 1986 his work was recommended and appraised by Kunisada Joun, and in 1989 his work was recommended and appraised by Hirata Seiko, Chief Abbot from Tenryu-ji Temple.  **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.10cm (3.9”) x 17.5cm (6.8”) x 17.5cm (6.8”)

Chawan:  H.5.4cm (2.1”) x Dia.15.4cm (6”)                                                                              

Condition

It’s in very good condition with no chips or cracks, this is a used piece and there’s very light evidence of use on the interior.  Also the box is slightly spotty on the exterior.         

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.