Chawan Set of Five Tea Bowls with Plum Blossom Motif

Five small tea bowls, each decorated with a delicate branch of blooming plum blossoms in white and orange, make up this set of hand-thrown chawan from Japanese craftsmanship. The cream to honey-colored glaze runs into warm orange at the rim, letting the painted blossoms seem to wander almost randomly across the curved wall – each bowl bears the motif at a slightly different spot, so that despite the shared form no piece is identical to another.

In Japan, the plum blossom is regarded as a symbol of perseverance and the approaching spring, as it blooms even before the end of winter. In tea ceramics, the motif is therefore especially popular for bowls used during the cold season. The slightly irregular, hand-turned shape of the bowls and the shifting glaze reveal the traditional craftsmanship, free of industrial uniformity.

The accompanying wooden box bears a handwritten calligraphic signature, an indication of the careful provenance of the set. Five bowls of this kind are excellently suited for a shared tea ceremony within the family or with guests, and as an ensemble bring a touch of Japanese spring atmosphere to the table.