This exquisite Kyo-yaki Chaire (茶入 - tea container) is made in the classic shouldered (肩衝 - katatsuki) shape, with a subtly barreled body and high shoulders. The black glaze is pierced by a singular colourful drip down the shomen (正面 - face).

The chaire comes paired with an orange silk brocade pouch (仕覆 - shifuku) with a purple drawstring.

Made by Teiichi Oketani (桶谷定一), a second generation potter born in 1935 who specialises in chaire and tenmoku chawan. This vintage item ships in its original tomobako (paulownia wooden box).

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:

6.4cm (2.5in) - width
8.8cm (3.5in) - height

Condition: Very good

This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States.