Gohon (Korean-Style) Tea Bowl with Cranes 1750 - 1799

Kiyomizu Rokubei I crafted this Gohon tea bowl with cranes, a humble vessel bearing profound symbolism. The crane, rendered in stark strokes, stands as a potent emblem of longevity, happiness, and eternal youth. Across cultures, the crane carries the weight of spiritual meaning. In ancient Greece, the dance of cranes was thought to inspire the labyrinth dance, symbolizing the soul's journey. And here, on this Gohon tea bowl, the crane is not merely a decorative motif; it is a silent wish, a prayer whispered with each sip of tea. Consider how such symbols persist, migrating through time and space, their meanings adapting yet retaining a core essence. The persistence of the crane motif suggests our collective subconscious, a yearning for transcendence. The very act of holding this bowl becomes a communion, a moment of stillness where the past, present, and future intertwine.