This hira-gata Bizen-yaki chawan (matcha bowl) features an unglazed finish, typical of Bizen ware, that shows off the dramatic colour variation created by the heat and fire during the kiln firing process. The bowl's wide conical shape is ideal for allowing tea to cool in the warm summer months. The front of the chawan is marked with the reverse of the kanji 馬 - horse. The outside of the chawan also 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.
This bowl was made by Shunko Nishimura III (西村春湖 三代) of Kotobukikoen (寿湖苑) and ships in its original kiribako (wooden paulownia box).
Bizen-yaki (備前焼) is a type of Japanese pottery that traditionally comes from Bizen province, now part of Okayama prefecture, Japan. The site of one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, pottery has been made in Bizen since at least the 14th century.
Fired at high temperature for a long time (as long as 14 days) in wood-burning kilns, Bizen ware is known for its earthen colours and lack of traditional glaze. Because of the clay’s high rate of shrinkage, it is unsuitable for glazing. Instead, the designs found on Bizen ware come from kiln effects and include traces of molten ash resembling glaze and markings resulting from wood-burning kiln firing.
Dimensions:
12.6cm (5in) - width
5.5cm (2.2in) - height
100ml - capacity
Condition: Excellent
This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States
