This Seto-yaki Chaire (茶入 - tea container) is made in the classic shouldered (肩衝 - katatsuki) shape, with a barreled body and high, sharp shoulders. The black glaze is covered on one side by a colourful blue-green drip down the shomen (正面 - face).

The chaire comes paired with a blue silk brocade pouch (仕覆 - shifuku) with a brown drawstring.

Chaire (茶入 - tea container), pronounced cha-ee-reh or chai-reh, are ceramic vessels used to hold high-grade matcha used to make koicha (thick tea). They are some of the most highly-regarded tea ceremony utensils. Chaire lids are typically coated with gold or silver leaf on the underside, which was thought to be a pure material that would discolour when it came into contact with poison, thus protecting one from drinking poisoned tea. Chaire are also paired with a custom-made silk brocade pouch (仕覆 - shifuku) that is tied tightly with a drawstring.

Seto-yaki (瀬戸焼) is a type of Japanese pottery that comes from the town of Seto in Aichi Prefecture, Japan and dates back almost 800 years. One of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan, Seto ware found initial fame in replicating advanced Chinese ceramics, such as tenmoku and celadon wares. Later, Seto-yaki developed many unique styles of its own, such as Shino ware, Kiseto ware, and Oribe ware.

Dimensions:

5.4cm (2.1in) - width
7.4cm (2.9in) - height

Condition: Good

This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States.