Featuring the distinctive “nami-yu” glaze, which is made from the ashes of the Kyoto forest, this matcha whisk holder has a natural base color in yellowish cream-white. It is a traditional tool for aligning the bristle of a "Chasen" matcha whisk. 

Since bamboo has a tendency to straighten easily, you can keep the shape of your matcha whisk by using the holder. After using the whisk, please rinse it in water and stand it in the holder.

Founded in 1868 as a Kiyomizu ware wholesaler in Kyoto, Tosen Kiln uses its own blend of soil and glaze, preserving the methods and quality of the works of Nonomura Ninsei, the renowned potter who is said to have established the art of Kyo ware in the 17th century.

The paintwork is done by individual Japanese-style painters, pursuing their own originality and depth beyond the expectations for a mere decoration. This matcha whisk holder depicts the famous illustrated scroll named "Choju Giga" which is a caricature picture scroll depicting anthropomorphic animals and their playfulness, dating from the mid-12th to mid-13th centuries. These designs from the picture scrolls are designated as a Japanese national treasure in Kozan-ji Temple in Kyoto. Please enjoy these humorous and playful works intricately depicted through Tousen Kiln’s painting techniques.

We see the picture of a frog, a rabbit and a monkey. Turning around the item gives you a glimpse of each playful animal. From the top you see the all three going round in circles. Although a simple tool, these little animals running around add a comical flavor to the serene tea ceremony.

The technique of painting directly on a bisqued plate requires unique skill as paint is quickly absorbed by the clay surface. The art of underglaze painting uses more restraint colors of blue and brown, giving the piece a more subdued impression. As the paint is absorbed under the glaze, the result is the more lucid and transparent finish of the delicate brush work, as opposed to the more solid pigments of overglaze painting. 

Tosen Kiln introduces the timeless techniques of Kiyomizu ware through their delicate hand painting and modeling styles. The intricate paintings on the stoneware breathe warmth and beauty into the pieces and tell stories of the diligence needed to create them.

PRODUCT DETAIL

• Dimension: D6.5cm(2.5in) x H8cm(3.1in),
  [Top opening] D2.6cm(1in)
• Material: Stoneware
• Origin: Made in Japan - Kiyomizu Ware
• Brand: Tosen Kiln