This angular raku chawan (matcha bowl) features a striking shape with straight walls and a sharp koshi. The unique glaze sits somewhere between the deep black of a classic kuro-raku chawan and the rich amber of the Ohi-yaki style of ame-raku. Areas where the glaze is thinner show more of this amber colour.

Made by an unknown raku ware workshop, stamped 手.

Like all raku ware, this bowl is very porous and should be soaked in warm water for 15 minutes before its first use. This soaking is traditionally done in rice water (the water from rinsing rice) as it helps strengthen the bowl. With each subsequent use, we suggest rinsing the bowl with hot water before preparing tea in it, as you would with any chawan.

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:

11.6cm (4.6in) - width
8.3cm (3.3in) - height
350ml - capacity

Condition: Like new

This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States