Tea service - Kyoto Tea Utensils – Ninsei-Style Chawan by Kamiyama Zenpo (上山善峰) & Mizusashi by Toraku (陶楽) - Both - (No Reserve Price)

【Important notes】

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【Product details】

This elegant tea ceremony set from the Showa period comprises a chawan (tea bowl) by Kamiyama Zenpo and a tall mizusashi (fresh water jar) by Kōdaiji-gama Toraku, each housed in its original signed and sealed tomobako wooden box.

The Harusō-Ninsei-style chawan recreates the refined aesthetics of the Edo-period master Nonomura Ninsei, renowned for his elegant overglaze enamels. The tea bowl is decorated with delicate spring flora such as chrysanthemums, cherry blossoms, and young green leaves, rendered in soft enamels and highlighted with gold. The pale yellowish glaze evokes the gentle warmth of spring sunlight.

Kamiyama Zenpo (born 1946, Kyoto) graduated from the Kyoto Fushimi Technical High School Ceramics Department and completed his training at the Kyoto Prefectural Pottery Training Institute. He studied under his father, the first Zenpō, a craftsman honoured as a Master of Traditional Kyoto Industry. Zenpō has exhibited in numerous major ceramics exhibitions and received multiple awards for his refined works. The tea bowl bears the potter’s seal on the base, and the tomobako box is signed and stamped. The artist’s biography leaflet is included.

The mizusashi by Kōdaiji-gama Tōraku features a striking design in yellow, blue, and purple enamels over a cream-coloured crackle glaze. The swirling floral and leaf motifs convey both energy and elegance. The underside bears the potter’s seal, and the tomobako is signed and stamped. The mizusashi is traditionally used in the tea ceremony to store fresh water for replenishing the kettle and rinsing utensils such as the chawan and chasen tea whisk.

Both pieces show minor blemishes and light signs of use consistent with age but remain in good used condition. Please refer to the photos for further details.

Dimensions of Tea Bowl: approx. H 8 cm W 12.5 cm D 12.5 cm
Dimensions of Mizusashi: approx. H 21.5 cm W 11 cm D 11 cm

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・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!