This Kyo-yaki Chaire (茶入 - tea container) is made in the classic shouldered (肩衝 - katatsuki) shape, with a barreled body and high, sharp shoulders. The black glaze is accented on one side by a white drip down the shomen (正面 - face).

The chaire is made by Touroku Nakamura (中村陶六) comes paired with a silk brocade pouch (仕覆 - shifuku) with a purple drawstring, in the famous fabric pattern: Shokkoukin (蜀江錦) which first appeared in 7th century China.

Chaire (茶入 - tea container), pronounced cha-ee-reh or chai-reh, are ceramic vessels used to hold high-grade matcha used to make koicha (thick tea). They are some of the most highly-regarded tea ceremony utensils. Chaire lids are typically coated with gold or silver leaf on the underside, which was thought to be a pure material that would discolour when it came into contact with poison, thus protecting one from drinking poisoned tea. Chaire are also paired with a custom-made silk brocade pouch (仕覆 - shifuku) that is tied tightly with a drawstring.


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:

5.4cm (2.1in) - width
7.5cm (3in) - height

Condition: Very good (Gold foil on the underside of the lid is slightly worn )

This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States