This hantsutsu-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. This gradient is accented by spots of natural glaze formed by ash falling on the bowl during firing. This spotty pattern is called 'goma' after its resemblance to sesame seeds. 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 Otome Hisa (大友久) and ships in its original tomobako (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:

12.4cm (4.9in) - width
8.4cm (3.3in) - height
300ml - capacity

Condition: Excellent (slight wobble in the base)

This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States