Gion Weeping Sakura Medium Bowl

The image of the graceful weeping sakura, cherry blossoms, of Gion, Kyoto, is depicted on this bowl from Tosen Kiln. Weeping cherry blossoms are one of the representative flowers of Kyoto, and express Kyoto's unique atmosphere. 

The pink and pale green of the cherry blossoms beautifully decorate the yellowish cream white color of the Kiyomizu ware base. Crafted in the shape of a delicate plum flower, the rounded edges of the bowl give an added element of softness to the cherry blossoms.

This bowl can be used as a serving bowl for special meals or to serve Japanese sweets when drinking Japanese tea. Enjoy stunning cherry blossoms on the inside and the outside of the bowl, and adorn your tabletop with the charming colors of spring in Kyoto.  

Tosen Kiln

Tosen Kiln was founded in 1868 as a Kiyomizu ware wholesaler. In 1944, it established a production studio in Mukomachi, a suburb of Kyoto, marking the beginning of full-scale Kiyomizu ware production. Today, the kiln operates in Gojo, Kyoto, continuing its legacy of craftsmanship.

Dedicated to refining its techniques and artistic sensibilities, Tosen Kiln embraces Kyoto’s traditional craftsmanship while adapting it for the modern era. Drawing inspiration from Edo-period master potter Nonomura Ninsei, it preserves his precise lathing techniques and luminous painting styles, blending them with clean lines and warm tones to create pieces that resonate with contemporary aesthetics.

Kyo ware and Kiyomizu ware, collectively known as Kyo-yaki or Kiyomizu-yaki, are esteemed crafts from Kyoto. Unlike other pottery styles, they integrate various techniques from across Japan, resulting in unique, handmade pieces. Each item is crafted meticulously, from shaping on the pottery wheel to intricate painting, showcasing exceptional modeling skills and delicate designs.

With a rich history intertwined with traditional Japanese culture, Kyo ware and Kiyomizu ware are celebrated for their refined artistry and elegance. Known for their vibrant and detailed paintings, they were officially recognized as a traditional craft by the Japanese government in 1977. Today, these ceramics are prized for their high artistic quality, embodying both historical craftsmanship and aesthetic sophistication.