Traditional Crafts: Matcha Bowl "Kaeru" 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. Matcha bowls are popular not just for drinking tea, but because they are filled with many Japanese elements such as the spirit of hospitality, beauty, and traditional etiquette.
Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki are one of Kyoto's representative traditional crafts. Originally, it referred to pottery fired by kilns in the Kiyomizu-zaka area on the way to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.Currently, pottery produced in the Kiyomizu-yaki pottery district in Higashiyama Ward and Yamashina Ward of Kyoto City, and in Kōzuyama in Uji City, is collectively called "Kiyomizu-yaki." The official name designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as a traditional craft is "Kyo-yaki Kiyomizu-yaki."
Michibiki Ceramic History
1958: Born in Kyoto.1977: Entered the Ceramics Department of Kyoto University of Art and Design.1979: Graduated from the same university, received the Bronze Prize at the graduation exhibition, and entered Kyoto Prefectural Pottery Technical College.1980: After graduating from the same college, 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.
Since they are handmade, the shape, color, size, and weight of each item will vary.
Ceramic Matcha Bowl "Kaeru" (Frog). Applied Art, Handmade.Kyoto, Michibiki. Tea Ceremony.The frog (Kaeru) is a symbol of good luck in Japan. There are even special recommendations and rules on where and how to place frog figurines or images in the house.The three-syllable word "kaeru" can be interpreted in various ways:"to return"- money, luck, happiness, or a lost item will return- to return safely (used as a charm for travelers)"to change"- positive changes will occur (a symbol of desired transformation)"to leave"- illness will leave, misfortune will leave.
Michibiki was born in Kyoto. She studied at the Kyoto Academy of Arts, where her graduation work received a special silver prize. Later, she learned the art of pottery from renowned 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.