This Aka-raku chawan (matcha bowl) is a loose replica (写 - utsushi) of the Kaga Koetsu (加賀光悦): a 17th century bowl made by the legendary Hon'ami Koetsu (本阿弥 光悦). Like the original, it has an angular koshi (腰), where the sides of the bowl meet the bottom at a near right angle. The sides are straight and the lip provides a varied landscape with many undulations. The foot is left unglazed showing off the true colour of the clay.

Made by Sasaki Shoraku (佐々木昭楽) of Shoraku Kiln (昭楽窯). This is the same Sasaki Shoraku that produces work signed (松楽), which is also read as Shoraku, and oversees work produced by the other Shouraku Kiln (松楽窯). Works stamped (松楽 - Shoraku) are more entry grade, wheres works stamped (昭楽 - Shoraku) are of a higher quality.The current kiln is located in Kameoka, Kyoto and was built in 1944. That same year, Sasaki Shoraku was born, and after studying under his father, he became Shouraku III: the third generation to carry the title. His work emulates the early raku wares of Chojiro and as is the case with this bowl, Hon'ami Koetsu. Today, both the 3rd and 4th generation potters of the kiln are famous for their raku bowls.光悦

One of Japan's most recognisable styles, Raku-yaki (楽焼) or Raku ware was developed by famous tea master Sen-no-Rikyu in the late 16th century. Perhaps inspired by the recently created 引き出し黒 (hikidashi-guro) technique used to produce the Seto-guro style of black chawan, Rikyu collaborated with tile-maker Chojiro to produce a new style of ware for use in the tea ceremony. Hand-formed from porous clay rather than wheel-thrown, Raku chawan are then coated in a lead glaze, fired at low temperatures, and removed from the kiln while still glowing hot. Most Raku chawan exist in two styles: Aka-raku (red raku), and Kuro-raku (black raku).

Dimensions:

12.7cm (5in) - width
8.8cm (3.5in) - height
400ml - capacity

Condition: Very good

This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States