Hand-Painted Raku Matcha Bowl “Korin Ume” (Plum Blossoms)

Raku Matcha Bowl – “Korin Ume” (光琳梅) by Rakunyu Yoshimura

Artist: Rakunyu Yoshimura III (三代 吉村楽入)
Design: Korin Ume (光琳梅) – Korin-Style Plum Blossoms
Decoration: Hand-Painted
Style: Raku-yaki (Traditional Japanese Raku Pottery)
Type: Chawan – Japanese Matcha Tea Bowl
Origin: Kyoto, Japan

This elegant Raku matcha bowl by Kyoto ceramic artist Rakunyu Yoshimura features a beautifully hand-painted Korin Ume (光琳梅) design, inspired by the artistic style of Ogata Korin, one of Japan's most celebrated artists of the Rinpa school.

The graceful plum blossom motif reflects the refined simplicity and decorative beauty of traditional Japanese art.

Meaning of Korin Ume (光琳梅)

Korin Ume is a traditional Japanese plum blossom motif inspired by the distinctive artistic style of Ogata Korin (1658–1716), a renowned painter of the Rinpa school.

The design is characterized by stylized plum blossoms, flowing lines, and elegant simplicity, expressing the beauty of nature through refined decorative forms.

Plum blossoms are among the first flowers to bloom in the cold season, symbolizing perseverance, renewal, and the arrival of spring.

This beautiful motif is especially suitable for winter, New Year, Hatsugama (the first tea gathering of the year), and early spring tea gatherings.

About Rakunyu Yoshimura (吉村楽入)

Rakunyu Yoshimura III, born in Kyoto in 1959, is the third-generation master of the Yoshimura Rakunyu pottery tradition.

He succeeded to the name Rakunyu Yoshimura in 2004 and is a certified Traditional Craftsman (Dento Kogeishi) specializing in Raku pottery.

In 2011, he was recognized by the City of Kyoto as a “Master Craftsman of the Future.”

As a practitioner of the Omotesenke school of Chanoyu, he brings a deep understanding of the Japanese tea ceremony to his ceramic creations.

While preserving traditional Raku pottery techniques, he is known for his creative hand-painted designs, seasonal motifs, and contemporary artistic expressions.

Traditional Raku Pottery

Raku-yaki originated in Kyoto during the time of Sen no Rikyu in the late 16th century and has been closely associated with Japanese tea ceremony ever since.

Raku tea bowls are traditionally shaped by hand rather than on a potter's wheel and are admired for their natural forms, soft texture, and warmth when held.

This hand-painted Korin Ume bowl beautifully combines traditional Kyoto Raku craftsmanship with the timeless elegance of Japanese plum blossom art.

A wonderful addition to a tea ceremony collection and an elegant choice for seasonal tea gatherings.

Made in Kyoto, Japan.