Moonlit Bloom and Bird Matcha Bowl

On this matcha bowl, a pure white orchid cactus blooms quietly under the night sky, its petals glistening like frost, radiating an air of refined elegance and mystery. In the shadows of the blossoms, a violet macaw sweeps past, its vibrant motion forming a striking contrast to the flower’s serene stillness, the two elements reflecting each other in perfect harmony. Through this work, artist Yamaura Saori channels her love of living creatures and shifting landscapes.

Along the bowl’s surface, the moon is delicately outlined in gold and platinum, shimmering with luminous brilliance and adding a sense of dignity and grace to the scene. The composition feels like a single moment frozen in time, seamlessly uniting the vitality of nature with the sophistication of craftsmanship—an enchanting nocturnal tale, alive with beauty.

Inside the matcha bowl, a deep blue glaze spreads across the interior and bottom, its glossy surface shimmering as though the night sky itself had been gathered into the palm of your hand. The blue unfolds like twilight slowly descending, extending from shadowed depths to the forefront, evoking a profound sense of serenity and infinite depth.

It is shaped using the traditional tebineri (hand-molding) technique, formed by Yamaura's hands, touch by touch. Because of this, its form is not bound by mechanical symmetry or rigid precision, but instead emerges with a natural presence. Along the rim, a delicate accent in gold flows like moonlight, leaving behind a soft and elegant sheen. This subtle golden glow imbues the act of drinking matcha with a sense of ceremony. When held in the hands, one encounters nature, craftsmanship, and the passage of time.

This matcha bowl is more than a vessel—it is a self-contained world. The deep blue glaze becomes the night’s canopy, while the moonlit flowers and the bird dwell as its living spirits. Gaze into its depths, and you glimpse an entire universe: within the small, finite walls of the bowl lies the quiet breath of nature and the subtle rhythm of life

Yamaura Saori

Among today’s Kutani ware artists, Yamaura Saori brings a distinctive presence. Working from her home studio, she lets her hands guide her through subtle curves, gentle distortions, and soft transitions. Her pieces are not bound by convention, yet they are unmistakably rooted in craft. At once fluid and precise, intuitive and technical, her ceramics speak of a moment captured in time.

Kutani Ware

Kutani ware is a pottery produced in the Kaga region of Ishikawa Prefecture, with a history spanning over 350 years. It is characterized by the heavy brilliance of the five colors of navy blue, red, purple, green, and yellow that are applied to the bold and daring lines. Its long history has evolved through the tireless efforts and enthusiasm of people who have sought innovation while maintaining tradition.