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| The Gyokuji Classic Collection is inspired by the Japanese tea ceremony. Exquisitely designed tea bowls, tea cases and sweet dishes can all be found here. These items are created from the same cutting edge technology but decorated with kotsugaki, -the traditional painting technique used in the world famous Satsuma porcelain. It is this perfect synthesis of the old and the new, art and science, which the Classic Collection best exemplifies. |
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 Mizusashi (Water Jar)
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| W123mm x H252mm |
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 Kashi-bachi (Sweet Bowl)
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| W165mm x H98mm |
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 Maccha (Tea Bowl)
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| W124mm x H80mm |
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 Doujime (Tea Bowl)
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| W120mm x H53mm |
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 Hira (Tea Bowl)
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| W153mm x H53mm |
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 Natsume (Tea Case)
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| W63mm x H69mm |
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 Mizusashi Hyoutan (Gourd-shaped Water Jar)
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| W162mm x H155mm |
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Design Pattern for “Classic” |
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 Hakubai (White Plum Flower) :
The Japanese Plum Blossom is most famous for its early spring blooming. Incredibly, this delicate flower blossoms as early as February, when the harsh winter snow is still on the ground. For this reason, it is regarded as a symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity. The Japanese Plum Blossom has remained in the hearts of the Japanese people since the late 7th Century Heian period and even today, as the weather becomes warmer, people flock to plum blossom festivals and plum gardens to gaze upon this beautiful flower. |
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 Gold Bamboo :
In Japan, the bamboo is affectionately regarded as a symbol of strength, determination and longevity. An exceptionally durable wood, it can be found in the harshest of conditions from the cold snowy mountains to the hot tropical regions. It is famous for its toughness, but also for its flexibility and gentle yielding nature. One Japanese folktale, "Tale of the Bamboo Cutter" (Taketori Monogatari) ,even tells of a princess from the Moon who emerges from a bamboo stem. |
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 Hanabishi (Diamond-shaped Flower Crest) :
Hanabishi is a famous and traditional family crest design. In Japan, family crests are used to represent one's blood line and social status. |
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 Gold :
This bowl is made from gold ceramic and just like gold, it symbolizes eternal trust and undying value between people all over the world. |
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 Purple /White Chrysanthemum :
The chrysanthemum is a flower that symbolizes autumn in Japan. The crest of the Royal Family is based on a chrysanthemum design, and is referred to as the "Chrysanthemum Crest." In the language of flowers, chrysanthemum signifies nobility. |
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 Isogiku (Beach Chrysanthemum ) :
Isogiku, beach chrysanthemum, lives by crawling over the sandy ground or in between rocks by the beach. In Japan, the plant is fondly admired for its strength and determination to persevere and grow, despite the fierce wind and harsh seawater which confront it. |
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 Chrysanthemum Crest :
In China, the Chrysanthemum is believed to be effective for the prevention of disease, and for promoting longevity. On September the 9th of the lunar calendar, during the Choyo seasonal festival, people used to drink chrysanthemum beverage and pray for long life. This custom was subsequently brought to Japan, where people combined it with the practice of chrysanthem blossom viewing. |
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 Four Princes :
The Four Princes refers to four types of plants - the orchid, the bamboo, the chrysanthemum and the plum, which are compared to men of virtue. These plants have been depicted in Chinese flower paintings since the Sung Dynasty (around the 12th Century). They are also associated with the four seasons: the orchid for spring, the bamboo for summer, the chrysanthemum for autumn and the plum for winter. |
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 Hydrangea Crest :
The hydrangea blooms during Japan's rainy season and summer season. The flower is loved for the way it gradually changes color, which is referred to as "Shichi-henge" - literally, 'changing seven times'. |
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 White Wisteria :
The wisteria blooms in April and May with clusters of beautiful mauve and white flowers. It has been loved by Japanese people since ancient times, and has often been depicted in poems. |
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 Clematis :
The clematis, a flower brought to Japan from China, has always been highly regarded since ancient times. It is used in traditional tea ceremonies and the art of flower arranging. The plant is especially appreciated because it blooms twice every year, its brightly colored flowers enchanting the public in the early summer and summer seasons. |
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 Pine and Crane :
The pine and crane symbolize auspicious occasions. The pine was regarded as the tree by which the gods descended from the Heavens. In Japan, it symbolizes longevity. The crane is also regarded as a symbol of longevity and along with turtles, these animals often appear in folktales. |
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 Cherry Blossom :
The sakura or cherry blossom is the most famous and well loved symbol of Japan. Every spring, thousands of people visit parks, shrines, and temples to attend cherry blossom -viewing parties. This custom, which dates back as far as the 3rd Century CE, is the perfect chance to relax and gaze upon this wonderful flower. In Japan, the cherry blossom symbolizes the transience, sadness and fleeting beauty of life because of its short blooming time. |
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 Kotsugaki :
The Gyokuji Classic Collection is decorated using kotsugaki - a traditional painting technique in which the outline of a pattern is drawn in gold and the framed parts carefully filled in with different color paints. Colors like the reddish-brown cinnabar are also applied to the surface of the ware, creating a luxurious and graceful look.
This highly skilled technique was originally used in the making of fine porcelain pieces known as shiromon or "White Satsuma". Traditionally, these items were reserved exclusively for use by royalty and as gifts for the nobility and upper classes. They were named after their place of origin - the western province of Satsuma, which has a proud tradition of pottery and chinaware extending back 400 years.
Kotsugaki is applied in a special kiln, known as an Iso-oniwayaki kiln. This oven was established in the Edo period by Nariakira Shimazu, the 28th Lord of the Satsuma clan, for the exclusive use of his family. The Shimazu family continue to preserve this time-honored tradition and still produce fine "White Satsuma" pieces even to this very day... |
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 "Tea Ceremony":
The tea ceremony, also known as chadō – literally meaning "the way of tea" - is one of Japan’s most traditional and respected rituals. The study of the tea ceremony takes many years and becoming a master of the art can take a lifetime.
The tea ceremony is strongly influenced by Zen and is thus a highly spiritual and contemplative experience. At the heart of the Japanese tea ceremony lies the all-important principle or feeling of wabi; simplicity, refinement, naturalness and humility. |
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