*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS. This listing is for a Kyo-ware hira chawan made around 20 years ago and signed ‘Hirokusa’. It is wheel-thrown and the flat hira type used during the summer season. Hira chawan are shallow bowls with low sides designed to cool tea down faster. The bowl in this listing is decorated with hand-painted depictions of Japanese lantern fruit. Japanese lanterns bear fruit from mid-summer to autumn, and its seeds are used as offerings to guide the souls of ancestors during the annual Obon festival. This is a splendid piece, it’s beautifully painted and a wonderful example of refined summer teaware. The stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom, and it comes with its original signed wooden storage box. *PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CHASEN TEA WHISK IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS LISTING. Kyo-ware originated in the 17th century in Kyoto and features overglaze enamel pigments on a porcelain base. The porcelain base acts as white canvas, allowing for beautiful and superior quality designs to be painted. Kyo-ware artisans traditionally produced chawan and utensils for the tea ceremony, however contemporary potters specialize in tableware, tea ceremony items, incense holders, and okimono. Kyo-ware was designated as a traditional craft in 1977. Sizes Box: H.9.3cm (3.6”) x 17cm (6.6”) x 17cm (6.6”) Chawan: H.4.8cm (1.8”) x Dia.14.3cm (5.6”) Condition It’s in very good condition with no chips or cracks, the box however is a little spotty on the interior. THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION **Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia: NO SHIPPING. Very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to these countries. We have no plan to register at this time because the process is in some cases very expensive and complicated, plus each country has its own set of regulations and application process. **USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail ePacket (approx. 15-28 days). Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail ePacket (please send us a message). **Asia: Airmail ePacket (approx. 15-21 days). Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail ePacket (please send us a message). **Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico: EMS Express 10-15 days. **Russia: No shipping methods available.
