Matcha bowl / Kyo-yaki "Shikunshi" Ryusen Sagami

Please note, this item is a unique piece.

Kyo-yaki matcha bowl with plum blossom, chrysanthemum, orchid and bamboo motifs made by Ryusen Sagami (1950-) in Kyoto.

A "Kunshi" designates a highly virtuous, pure, and noble personality. The main characteristics of a Kunshi are said to be found in the following four plants: the orchid represents dignity with its subtle fragrance; bamboo, growing upright without bending and remaining green in the cold, signifies a righteous heart; the plum tree evokes strength because it is the first to bloom in the snow, heralding the arrival of spring; and the chrysanthemum is considered a flower of longevity that fills one with energy and drives away evil spirits. Thus, these are distinguished as four Kunshi (Shikunshi) among plants and trees. These plants also symbolize the four seasons.