This is a pair of celebratory Shimadai tea bowls, distinguished by their striking gold and silver interiors. While the exterior retains a rustic, earthy texture, the inside is adorned with brilliant gold and silver finishes, creating an elegant contrast suitable for festive occasions. Used by stacking the two bowls together, they symbolize “layered good fortune” and are traditionally featured in special tea ceremonies such as the New Year’s first tea gathering. Blending traditional design with a refined aesthetic, these bowls are both functional and highly decorative pieces. Shimadai tea bowls are special matcha bowls used on auspicious occasions such as the New Year’s first tea ceremony (Hatsugama). They are composed of two bowls of different sizes, stacked one on top of the other. The inner surface of the upper bowl is decorated with gold leaf, while the lower bowl features silver leaf, symbolizing the auspicious Mount Horai, a mythical representation of longevity and prosperity. Originally, the term “Shimadai” referred to a tiered, island-shaped ceremonial stand used in weddings and celebratory rituals. Inspired by this, a pair of stacked lacquer sake cups was incorporated into the tea ceremony tradition, and later expressed in ceramic form as the Shimadai tea bowl. This style is said to have been favored by Joshinsai, the 7th-generation head of the Omotesenke school of tea ceremony during the Edo period. At special celebratory occasions such as New Year gatherings, tea is prepared with the bowls still stacked, symbolizing “layered blessings” and “repeated good fortune.” This method is known as the Kasane Chawan (stacked tea bowl) style of tea preparation. Shoraku Kiln is a Japanese pottery studio that carries on traditional ceramic techniques while creating works that balance functionality and beauty. It is particularly known for producing tea ceremony utensils, characterized by their calm textures and refined forms. With a style that combines rustic simplicity and understated elegance, Shoraku Kiln’s works are appreciated both for everyday use and in tea ceremony settings, reflecting the essence of Japanese aesthetics. Condition: Signs of aging and use are evident. Please check the photos for details. The items shown in the photos are all that are included; there are no other accessories. The original signed wooden storage box (*tomobako*) is included. Approximate dimensions: Gold Height: 7 cm Width: 14.3 cm Silver Height: 6.5 cm Width: 17.5 cm If you have any question or concern, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for visiting. Shipping Shipping by DHL or Japan Post with insurance and tracking. Please note that as of 1 July 2026, the EU has abolished the de minimis customs exemption. All shipments to EU countries are now subject to import duties and VAT regardless of the declared value of the goods. Payment Please pay within 3 days after the auction closed. About Us INTERNATIONAL BUYERS - Please Note: * Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. * Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying. * These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight (shipping) company or when you pick the item up - do not confuse them for additional shipping charges. * I do not mark merchandise values below value or mark items as "gifts" - International government regulations prohibit such behavior.