This Ao-Oribe chawan (matcha bowl) features a classic, subtly distorted shape. Its light grey clay body has a transparent glaze, accented by iron underpainting of an abstract grass and geometric patterns, with splashes of the distinctive copper green Oribe glaze.

Made by Akazu-yaki potter, Shunsō Nakajima (中島春草) of Higashi Kiln (東窯), this chawan comes in its original kiribako (桐箱 - wooden paulownia box).

Akazu-yaki (赤津焼) is a close relative and neighbor to Seto-yaki, and largely shares the same distinctive styles, which include Shino, Oribe, and Ki-seto. Compared to Seto-yaki, very few potters are still active, with around a dozen still producing wares today.

Dimensions:

12.6cm (5in) - width
7.9cm (3.1in) - height
300ml - capacity

Condition: Excellent

This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States