This Kiyomizu-yaki yuteki tenmoku chawan (matcha bowl) features a slightly wider and shallower shape and a deeply indented finger groove (suppon-guchi) around the lip. This piece sports a stunning yuteki (oil spot) glaze of silvery spots against a dark background. Made by Higashiyama (東山). A small chip along the rim of the bowl has been repaired with traditional kintsugi, providing a focal point for the bowl's shoumen or face.

The term 'tenmoku' can refer to two things: the shape of a bowl, i.e. conical with a finger groove and flare at the lip; and a dark high-iron glaze that can produce various beautiful effects under the right firing conditions. Both of these originated in Jian ware from Fujian during the Song dynasty (960-1279) in China, where the dark colour of the glaze was praised for the way it contrasts nicely with the froth of whisked tea.

While most Tenmoku glazes are a simple black, occasionally the glaze recipe and the conditions in the kiln are just right, causing the ash in the glaze to separate from the iron in a way that produces beautiful metallic effects, such as the one seen on this cup, called 'yuteki', meaning 'oil-spot'.

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:

12.9cm (5.1in) - width
6.6cm (2.6in) - height
200ml - capacity

Condition: Excellent

This vintage Japanese item ships from Thailand

-----------------
Like what you see? Follow us on Instagram @tezumitea and comment 'I love tea' on any photo for a chance to win free teaware!