Shōraku Kiln 昭楽窯

David and Sasaki Shōraku in a pottery studio with clay pots and a kiln.

Shōraku (佐々木昭楽)

Made by Sasaki Shōraku (佐々木昭楽) of Shōraku Kiln (昭楽窯). This is the same Sasaki Shōraku that produces work signed (松楽), which is also read as Shōraku. Works stamped (松楽 - Shōraku) are more entry grade, whereas works stamped (昭楽 - Shōraku) are of a higher quality. The current kiln is located in Kameoka, Kyōto and was built in 1944. That same year, Sasaki Shōraku was born, and after studying under his father, he became Shouraku III: the third generation to carry the title. His work emulates the early raku wares of Chojiro and Hon'ami Koetsu. Today, both the 3rd and 4th generation potters of the kiln are famous for their raku bowls.

The earliest and most famous raku chawan are known as kuro-raku (黒楽 - black raku) and as their name suggests, have a plain black glaze. This glaze was originally made from a mixture of white lead and stones from the Kamogawa river, though modern formulations vary. These bowls are generally fired individually at temperatures around 1000-1200°C for 1-2 hours before being removed with tongs rapidly cooled. Depending on the glaze formulation, firing temperature, and cooling method, the lustre can range from very glossy to a dull matte, with higher temperatures and faster cooling leading to glossier finishes.

Pictured here is Omokage (面影), one of the original Kuro-raku chawan attributed to Chōjirō in the late 1500s.