This Aka-raku hira chawan (matcha bowl) is made in the badarai-gata (場盥型 - horse bucket) style, with a wide and flat shape, with short vertical sides. Additionally, this bowl features a pronounced waist and a large cha-damari. The glaze is a bright vermillion red glaze with patches of black, coated in a semi-translucent snowy white. The foot is left unglazed showing off the true colour of the clay.

Made by Shoraku Kiln (松楽窯). The current kiln is located in Kameoka, Kyoto and was built in 1944. 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:

13.8cm (5.4in) - width
5.8cm (2.3in) - height
150ml - capacity

Condition: Excellent

This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States