Matcha bowl / "Shôchikubaï" Kôchi-yaki

This yellow Kōchi-yaki matcha bowl, featuring a pine, bamboo, and plum blossom motif, is crafted by Suiran Nakamura, a recognized traditional artisan of Kyo-yaki/Kiyomizu-yaki in Kyoto.

Kōchi-yaki is one of the distinctive styles of Kyo/Kiyomizu pottery. This unique firing method uses materials similar to those in colored glass to achieve its vibrant hues. It is exclusively produced in Kyoto, where specialized kiln techniques bring out its striking colors.

During the mid-Edo period, when Kyo-yaki production began to flourish, the Qing dynasty was at its peak in China. At the time, Japan looked to both European countries and continental Chinese dynasties for cultural inspiration. Kyoto’s court nobles, Buddhist monks, scholars, and tea masters sought out various fine objects brought by trading ships operated by powerful merchants.

The name "Kōchi" refers to these trading vessels, which transported vividly colored ceramics along the South Asian trade route.

The Shōchikubai motif—depicting pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms—has long been considered auspicious, symbolizing perseverance, resilience, and the renewal of life.