Sakura-Shaped Chopstick Rest Set

Decorate your table with these elegant chopstick rests from Tosen Kiln. The exquisite yellowish cream white color of the Kiyomizu ware base enhances the various hues, which are masterfully used to depict the detailed designs of cherry blossoms. 

Each chopstick rest is crafted in the shape of a delicate sakura, cherry blossom. From dancing cherry blossoms to a playful rabbit from the famous illustrated scroll  "Choju-Giga," a caricature picture scroll depicting anthropomorphic animals, the unique interpretations of cherry blossoms on these chopstick rests are sure to bring joy to guests and family members.

Enjoy the variety in design and match them with other items from Tosen Kiln's Sakura series such as their Katakuchi sake carafe and sake cups. Place them on a table or a shelf as decorative items to add hints of soft pink reminiscent of spring in Kyoto. 

This set of five pieces, all contained in an attractive paulownia box also decorated with hand-painted beautiful cherry blossoms, makes for the perfect present.

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.