Handmade and hand-painted Kiyomizuyaki tableware set.

"Obi" means belt. After throwing the pottery, this belt part is scraped back, creating a stripe in the surface. This stripe is surrounded by the "shippou" pattern in a darkly painted blue underglaze. 

The shippō pattern consists of overlapping circles—specifically, pairs of interlocking rings known as wachigai. These are repeated in four directions, forming a continuous design. Because of this four-way connection, the pattern is also described using the kanji shiho-tsunagi (四方繋ぎ), which means “linked in four directions.” Interestingly, the kanji 四方 (shiho) can also be read as shippō, which is a homonym of 七宝—meaning “Seven Treasures,” a reference to sacred jewels in Buddhism.

Due to the flowing, geometric look of the interlocking circles, the shippō pattern is often used to symbolize harmony, peace, and unending happiness.

This beautifully crafted, elegant set adds a touch of luxury to any meal.

Kyo or Kiyomizu pottery looks back on 400 years of history and is now a symbol of Kyoto. To serve the desire of Aristocrats, tea masters, and culinary specialists of the era, Kyo or Kiyomizu pottery has incorporated design and artistry not only from Japan but also from China and the Korean Peninsula. Even up to now exquisite artistry and excellent craftsmanship are core qualities of Kyo ware: each piece is modeled and decorated carefully by hand.

Place of origin: Kyoto Prefecture, Japan