This elegant chawan (matcha bowl) is made in the classic Kohiki (粉引) style, thrown from an iron-rich red clay and covered in white slip. The iron in the clay reacts with the slip, producing the natural warmth, various subtle grey and beige hues, and small black specks that kohiki is known and loved for. The foot of the bowl is cut in the classic bamboo-node style (竹の節高台 - takenofushi koudai).

Like most kohiki wares, this chawan is porous and will absorb water and tea and subtly change colour over time. Before its first use, we recommend soaking the entire piece in warm water for at least one hour. This allows water to fill the cracks and pores, slowing the rate at which tea stains the clay. Slowing the staining process allows the colour change to progress naturally and beautifully. With each subsequent, we suggest rinsing the bowl with hot water before preparing tea in it, as you would with any chawan.

Kohiki is a traditional slipware ceramic style that originated in the short-lived Buncheong Deombeongi ceramics of late 15th century Korea. In an attempt to create an affordable mimicry of Chinese white porcelain, iron-rich clay was dipped in white slip (liquified clay) and covered with a translucent ash glaze. Korean kohiki chawan were brought to Japan, where they were revered as masterpieces (名物) by tea masters. Recently, this rustic style has seen a resurgence in popularity owing to its timeless, natural elegance. Compared to the harsh white of porcelain, kohiki vessels have a soft, warm, and organic feel

Made by Kengo Sugawara (菅原顕悟) of Yōki Kiln (陽気窯). Sugawara-san is an independent potter who started a kiln at the foot of Mt. Katsuragi in Nara out of a desire to create goods with his hands. He specialises in kohiki (粉引) a Korean slip coating technique.

Dimensions:

13cm (5.1in) - width
7cm (2.8in) - height
200ml - capacity

Condition: New

This Japanese item ships from the United States.