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

This listing is for a pleasant Kyo-ware chawan made around 20 years ago by noted potter, Yamakawa Iwao III.   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 hand-painted gourds.  The gourd, or hyotan as it is known in Japanese, is an auspicious symbol linked to longevity and fertility. Traditionally households grew gourds to use as flasks or containers, however the vines were also used to provide shade during the stifling summer heat. Gourds were also used as seed containers, and older Japanese will tell you that seeds kept in such containers were always fruitful.  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 stamped turmeric coloured wrapping cloth for when the item is not in use.

Yamakawa Iwao III is a Kyo-ware potter and third generation master of Iwao Gama. The first generation master was a Kutani-ware potter and the family kiln was originally located in Ishikawa prefecture. The second generation went to Kyoto to make teaware, and the family kiln was moved to Kyoto after the first generation master passed away. The third generation was born in Kyoto and studied under his father and Kiyomizu Rokubei. He began participating in exhibitions early on in his career, and has exhibited in several major cities across Japan (mainly at Mitsukoshi and Takashimaya department stores). In 1963 his work was selected for the prestigious Nitten Fine Arts Exhibition, and in 1970 he received the Kyoto Seiyokai Potters Association Governor Award. In 1977 he held his first solo exhibition at Mitsukoshi’s flagship department store in Tokyo, and in 1981 he held a solo exhibition at Takashimaya Department Store in Tokyo. In 1983 he collaborated with a sensho dyeing master and held a joint exhibition at the Kyoto International Conference Centre, and he participated in a mural exhibition in cooperation with a dyeing designer at the Kyoto Ceramic Reception Building the following year. In 1985 he exhibited at Higashi Osaka Dai-ichi Life Building at the request of Chinese painter Jyo Ka Tei, and in 1986 he exhibited at a tea ceremony exhibition at Zen Buddhist temple Kenninji in Kyoto. In 1987 he held an Iwao Pottery Exhibition at Takashimaya Department Store in Osaka, and in 1998 he held a solo exhibition at Naruse Tea Store in Himeji. Yamakawa’s eldest son Atsushi is also a potter, he works out of Sennyuji Gama and is certified as a Kyoto Traditional Craftsperson. **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.10.5cm (4.1”) x 17cm (6.6”) x 17cm (6.6”)

Chawan:  H.5.3cm (2”) x Dia.14.8cm (5.8”)                                                                              

Condition

It’s in very good condition with no chips or cracks, however there’s a water stain on the lid.                                                                                                                                           

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:  Airmail (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available (please send us a message) but please note that the price does not get cheaper for Airmail or EMS, in fact it becomes more expensive.  If you want to save money and don't mind a very long 3 month wait, request sea mail (11-12 weeks depending on processing and backlogs at destination ports). Inexpensive Airmail Small Packet option unavailable.

**UK and Canada:  EMS Express (approx. 7-15 days).  Combined shipping available (please send us a message) but please note that the price does not get cheaper for EMS, in fact it becomes more expensive.  If you want to save money and don't mind a very long 3 month wait, request sea mail (11-12 weeks depending on processing and backlogs at destination ports). Inexpensive Airmail Small Packet and regular Airmail is currently unavailable.

**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).

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.