This is a shimadai tea bowl, decorated with gold and silver leaf. Shimadai tea bowls are a special pair (one large and one small) of bowls used for thick tea (koicha) at auspicious New Year's occasions, such as the first tea ceremony of the New Year. The gold bowl has a pentagonal base representing a crane, while the silver bowl has a hexagonal base representing a turtle. Cranes and turtles are considered auspicious animals in Japan. They are auspicious animals that symbolize longevity, marital harmony (the crane), and wisdom and stability (the turtle), due to their long lifespans. Kawasaki Waraku is a Raku ware pottery manufacturer that opened in Kyoto's Gion district during the Bunsei era (1818-1831). It is a long-established kiln that has been in business for over 200 years. They mainly produce tea bowls, but also tea utensils such as lid rests and water jars, as well as kaiseki tableware. Raku ware tea bowls are crafted with the belief that each bowl is unique and that no two bowls are alike. This bowl also features a unique pattern and a tasteful color. It is in perfect condition with no cracks or chips. It comes with a signed tomobako inscription. Size Large bowl: Height 8cm, diameter 18cm, weight 615g Small bowl: Height 8cm, diameter 15cm, weight 480g