This Shigaraki-yaki chawan (matcha bowl) has a pronounced spiral effect called rokurome (ろくろ目 - pottery wheel marks) made by the potter's fingers as they slide up the bowl, shaping it on the pottery wheel. Its rough, texture surface highlights the coarse Shigaraki clay. The front of the bowl is marked with a patch of green ash glaze. The foot is cut in the mikazuki (三日月 - three-day crescent moon) style (also known as the katausu/片薄 style).

Made by Kiyama (喜山), this chawan comes in its original kiribako (wooden paulownia box).

Shigaraki-yaki (信楽焼) is a type of Japanese pottery that traditionally comes from the area around Shigaraki town in Shiga Prefecture, Japan.

The site of one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, pottery has been made in Shigaraki since at least the 12th century, with some saying it started as early as 742 AD. Made from clay taken from around Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, Shigaraki ware is known for its warm colours, natural aesthetic, and glassy glazes.

Dimensions:

12.4cm (4.9in) - width
7.8cm (3.1in) - height
350ml - capacity

Condition: Excellent

This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States