This Tokoname-yaki chawan (matcha bowl) has a classic shape and is draped in an elegant kohiki glaze. This glaze produced a soft, matte white finish with a subtle gohonte pattern of pink spots and tiny black iron spots, charateristic of kohiki glazes. Made by Takahisa Hisada (久田 貴久) of Yoshi Kiln (佳窯).
Kohiki (粉引) 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.
