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

This listing is for an Asahi-ware chawan made around 30 years ago by Matsubayashi Hosai XV.  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. This particular bowl is decorated with hakeme brush work and parrot feather plant, a common aquatic plant found in koi ponds.  Byodo-in temple located in Uji has a large reflection pond in front of the temple, this bowl was possibly inspired by a stroll around the temple grounds in summer.  The stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom and it comes with a Japanese language profile paper.  Sorry no box for this one.

Matsubayashi Hosai XV (1950-2015) was an Asahi-ware potter and 15^th generation master of the Matsubayashi family kiln.  He was born as the eldest son of Hosai XIV in Uji, Kyoto.  In 1974 he graduated from the Musashino Art University, and he then studied for one year at the Kyoto Prefectural Pottery Training Institute.  In 1976 he studied glaze making and glazing techniques at the Nagoya Industrial Research Institute, after that he trained under his father.  Hosai was Director of the Kyoto Traditional Ceramic Artists Association, and President of the Kyoto Ceramics Association.  Hosai’s son is now the 16^th generation master of the family kiln.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Asahi Gama opened in the early 17^th century on the banks of the Uji River, and is currently in its 16^th generation.  The kiln’s purpose was to produce teaware under the instruction of tea master Kobori Enshu.  The first three generations produced only teaware, and used clay dug from the surrounding mountains.  The next four generations produced teaware along with roof tiles, however the eighth generation switched back to just teaware.  These days the kiln produces chawan, hobin, small shibori-dashi teapots, mizusashi, and some western style teapots.  The western influence came from the younger brother of the 13^th generation who spent some time in England.  Asahi Gama pieces are high quality, and possess good tea flavour.

Asahi-ware, one of the Seven Kilns of Enshu, refers to pottery produced in the Uji district of Kyoto.  Uji is famous for tea, and was a major tea producing area during Sen no Rikyu’s time.  Traditionally Asahi-ware consisted of mainly tea bowls and hobin style teapots, shaded teas like gyokuro were seldom brewed in kyusu.  The clay is light coloured, and the glazes and decoration subtle in appearance.                                            

Size

H.5.7cm (2.2”) x Dia.13.9cm (5.4”)                                                                                           

Condition

It’s in very good condition with no chips or cracks.                                                             

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.