Traditional Crafts: Matcha Bowl "Sakura" by Michibiki, Kyoto
A matcha bowl that calms the mind and enhances the taste and aroma of matcha. Its profound charm is attracting attention not only from Japanese people but also from people overseas. A matcha bowl is more than just for drinking tea; its popularity stems from its embodiment of hospitality, beauty, and traditional etiquette, all packed with many Japanese elements.
Kyo-yaki/Kiyomizu-yaki is one of Kyoto's representative traditional crafts. It originally referred to pottery fired in kilns around Kiyomizu-zaka, the road leading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.Currently, pottery produced in the Kiyomizu-yaki Pottery Cooperative in Higashiyama Ward and Yamashina Ward of Kyoto City, and in Kōzuyama in Uji City, is collectively referred to as "Kiyomizu-yaki." The official designation as a traditional craft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is "Kyo-yaki/Kiyomizu-yaki."
Michibiki Ceramic History
1958: Born in Kyoto.1977: Enrolled in the Ceramics Department at Kyoto College of Art.1979: Graduated from the same college, received the Bronze Prize at the graduation exhibition, and enrolled in the Kyoto Prefectural Pottery Technical High School.1980: After graduating from the same school, trained in Yamashina and other areas.1988: Built a kiln in Fushimi Ward, exhibited in public art competitions and was selected.1993: Selected and exhibited at the Kyo-yaki/Kiyomizu-yaki Paris Exhibition, and continues to exhibit to this day.
As these are handmade, the shape, color, size, and weight of each item will vary.
Ceramic Matcha Bowl "Sakura." Applied Art, Handmade.Kyoto, Michibiki. Tea Ceremony.Sakura is a symbolic flower of Japan. People in this country have a special reverence and tenderness for Sakura. There is probably not a single garden where Sakura does not grow, nor a single genre of art where Sakura motifs and elements are not used. It can be said that Sakura is a part of every Japanese person's soul.People eagerly await the cherry blossom season. However, the beauty can only be enjoyed for a very short time, just about 7-10 days. Sakura symbolizes the fragility of beauty, transience, and the fleeting nature of human life.
Michibiki was born in Kyoto. She studied at the Kyoto Academy of Arts, where her graduation work received a special silver award. Later, she learned the art of pottery from famous masters in Yamashina. She has repeatedly won awards in ceramics competitions. Michibiki's works have received high acclaim in Paris, where her solo exhibitions and sales are held annually.Michibiki's bowls are items of decorative and applied art. Therefore, the shape and color of the finished products may differ slightly from the photographs.