This unglazed Mumyōi-yaki chawan (matcha bowl) features a striking yōhen (窯変) gradient. The bright vermillion of the shudei clay gives way to a deep carbon black, caused by reduction in the kiln.

This chawan was made by Toshio Hosoda (細野 利夫) of Gyokudō Kiln. Hosoda-san was born on the island of Sado in 1953, and travelled to Tokoname to study ceramics before returning to his home island to perfect his craft. He focuses on yakishime yōhen wares along with celadon and tenmoku.

Mumyōi-yaki (無名異焼) is a pottery tradition found on the island of Sado in Niigata prefecture. Mumyōi's vibrant clay was originally used in 19th century Raku ware before it become its own style in 1857. Today, Mumyōi-yaki is known for its incredibly fine-grained red clay fired at high temperatures, producing a strong, solid, and dense ware with a smooth surface.

Dimensions:

12.7cm (5in) - width
7.5cm (3in) - height
350ml - capacity

Condition: Very good

This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States