This Kyo-yaki dojimari-gata chawan (matcha bowl) features a snowy shino glaze, decorated with iron underpainting. The white glaze is speckled with dark brown iron spots.

Made by Ichikawa Michizou (市川通三), this chawan comes in its original kiribako (wooden paulownia box).

First appearing during the tea ceremony craze of the Momoyama Period in the 16th century, Shino ware or Shino-yaki was an instant hit, being the first white glaze produced in Japan. Its white surface served as a blank canvas, allowing artisans to paint decorations on bowls, which was previously quite rare for pottery produced in Japan. Unlike the the smooth porcelain of China, Shino glazed pieces often have a surface that is textured with pinholes, called 'suana' (nest holes) or 'yuzuhada' (yuzu skin) in Japanese. Declining in popularity in the Edo period, Shino ware has since seen a revival and is one of the most recognisable glazes from Japan, and are often seen in orange, pink, and blue, in addition to the classic white. Though traditionally a Mino invention, Shino glazes can be found on pieces from various ceramic producing regions.

Kyo-yaki (京焼) is a type of Japanese pottery that traditionally comes from Kyoto, Japan. The pottery traditions of Kyoto date back to the 5th century and are varied in their styles.

Dimensions:

12cm (4.7in) - width
7.6cm (3in) - height
300ml - capacity

Condition: Very good

This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States