This Aka-raku chawan (matcha bowl) features a pronounced waisted shape and is covered in a bright red glaze with patches of black. The foot is left unglazed showing off the true colour of the clay.

The chawan has been given the poetic name 好日 (Kōjitsu - good day), with the accompanying inscription on the underside of the kiribako lid.

Made by Sasaki Shoraku (佐々木松楽) of Shoraku Kiln (松楽窯). 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 Hon'ami Koetsu. Today, both the 3rd and 4th generation potters of the kiln are famous for their raku bowls.

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:

12cm (4.7in) - width
7.9cm (3.1in) - height
350ml - capacity

Condition: Excellent

This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States