Vintage: Kyo-yaki Hariko no Tora Chawan

Hariko no Tora, Tiger Matcha Tea Bowl

This Kyo-ware chawan depicts the Hariko no tora, papier-mâché tiger. This is a traditional Japanese craft dating back to the Heian period (around 710 AD). The t iger is a creature that is said to walk a thousand miles a day and always return home. The stability of its return symbolises good luck and so from the Edo period (around 1603 AD) these paper tigers were given as gifts to young boys as an auspicious gift for health and career advancement. Even to this day the Tiger is used as an item for praying for health and success, for traffic safety, and for warding off evil.

Kyo-yaki describes the many types of ceramic that are made in the Kyoto area.

• Size: approx 12cm diameter | 7.5cm height 
  
• Hand wash only
• Makers mark at the base of the bowl