Nisei Kitaho Kyo-yaki Tea Bowl 'Yukimoyou' - Plum Blossom and Snow with Signed Box

A graceful Kyo-yaki (Kyoto ware) tea bowl by Nisei Kitaho (Komine), decorated with a charming winter-to-spring seasonal design of plum blossoms and snow. This matcha bowl features a warm cream body adorned with raised white dots suggesting freshly fallen snow among painted plum branches and colorful maple leaves in red, green, and turquoise. A poetic seasonal piece that bridges winter and spring. Ships with tracking from Japan.

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[ PRODUCT DETAILS ]
• Artist: Nisei Kitaho / Komine (二世北峰 / 小峰)
• Origin: Kyoto, Japan
• Type: Tea Bowl (Chawan / 茶碗)
• Style: Kyo-yaki (Kyoto ware) / Iro-e (Overglaze polychrome) / Traditional Japanese
• Dimensions: Approximately 12.0 cm diameter × 7.5 cm height (4.7" × 3.0")
• Materials: Kyoto pottery clay, overglaze enamels (red, green, turquoise, white)
• Packaging: Signed wooden box (tomobako) inscribed "雪紡 茶盌" with artist's signature
• Condition: Excellent condition. Vibrant enamel decoration fully intact. No cracks or chips.

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[ ABOUT THIS PIECE ]
This tea bowl captures the delicate transition from winter to spring — a theme deeply cherished in Japanese tea ceremony culture. The design, titled 'Yukimoyou' (雪紡 — snow pattern), depicts plum blossoms (ume) rendered as raised white dots clustered on painted branches, evoking the image of fresh snow settling on early-blooming plum trees.

Interspersed among the branches are hand-painted maple leaves in vivid red, green, and turquoise — a playful juxtaposition of autumn and winter imagery that creates a timeless seasonal tapestry. The cream-colored body provides a soft, warm backdrop that allows the colorful decoration to shine without overwhelming the senses.

[ WHY CHOOSE THIS TEA BOWL? ]
Kyo-yaki represents the pinnacle of decorative ceramic art in Japan, with Kyoto potters historically working in close collaboration with tea masters, painters, and court artisans. This bowl by Nisei Kitaho (Komine) demonstrates the delicate hand-painting and raised enamel techniques that distinguish fine Kyoto ware from mass-produced alternatives.

[ CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE ]
In the Japanese tea ceremony, the selection of a tea bowl reflects the season, the occasion, and the host's aesthetic sensibility. The plum blossom (ume) is one of the most beloved motifs in Japanese art, symbolizing perseverance and renewal — the first flower to bloom in late winter, often appearing while snow still covers the ground. This bowl would be particularly appropriate for tea gatherings in January through March, celebrating the promise of spring.

The 'yukimoyou' design theme connects to the Japanese appreciation of 'mono no aware' — the bittersweet beauty of transient moments, like snow resting briefly on warm blossoms.

[ PROVENANCE & AUTHENTICITY ]
Accompanied by the artist's signed wooden box (tomobako) with brush calligraphy reading "雪紡 茶盌" (Yukimoyou Tea Bowl) and the artist's signature. The tomobako serves as a certificate of authenticity in the Japanese art world.

[ SUGGESTED USES ]
• Seasonal tea ceremony use — ideal for winter-to-spring gatherings (January through March)
• Display piece showcasing the beauty of Kyo-yaki polychrome decoration
• Perfect gift for tea lovers who appreciate seasonal Japanese aesthetics
• Elegant addition to a collection of Kyoto ceramics

[ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ]
Q: What are the raised white dots?
A: The raised white dots are applied using a technique called 'moriage' — building up layers of white enamel to create a three-dimensional texture that resembles snow on branches.

Q: Can I use this for drinking matcha?
A: Yes, this is a functional tea bowl designed for matcha preparation. Handle with care as the raised enamel decoration is delicate.

Q: How should I care for this bowl?
A: Rinse gently with warm water after use (no soap or dishwasher). Avoid scrubbing the painted surfaces. Dry completely and store in its wooden box.

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• Dispatch: Within 1-6 business days
• Carrier: Japan Post EMS / UPS (with tracking)
• Packaging: Carefully wrapped with protective materials