A Painter's Kyoto
Kyoto ware embodies the refinement of a city where, from the sixteenth century onward, ceramics were shaped by tea masters and imperial taste. This rice bowl belongs to that hand-painted lineage. A shonzui-style lattice brushed in cobalt along the inner rim frames the plain white porcelain form, which is accented with fine iron-red lines.
Born of Kyoto’s Heritage: This piece too is authentic Kyo-yaki pottery, handcrafted using time-honored techniques and refined by centuries of Japanese artistry.
Learn more → The Art and Technique of Kyoto Ware
The Branching Seam
The restoration begins at the rim, crosses the painted lattice band, and descends into the white well. There, the line of 24K gold divides into branches near the center. Outside, the same seam intersects the two red lines. Lacquer artist Rio Hashimoto, who holds a master's degree in lacquer arts from Kyoto City University of Arts, restored the bowl over four months using natural urushi and 24K gold. The seam was brought to roiro, the highest polish grade, a discipline passed down through generations of Japanese lacquer artists.
Kept at the Table
A rice bowl is used more than any other vessel in a Japanese household. This one rewards that habit in two ways. Lifted, it reveals the gold crossing the cobalt lattice inside. Turned, the seam cuts the red lines outside. The collector receives a share in the custody of Kyoto's hand-painted porcelain tradition and authentic kintsugi in natural urushi. Both are carried forward through pieces kept in use.
