This unique raku chawan (matcha bowl) features a classic shape with a warm brown-grey glaze, accented by an obi (帯- belt) of white slip, etched with intersecting diagonal lines in a grafitto style.

Made by an unknown raku ware workshop, stamped 手.

Like all raku ware, this bowl is very porous and should be soaked in warm water for 15 minutes before its first use. This soaking is traditionally done in rice water (the water from rinsing rice) as it helps strengthen the bowl. With each subsequent use, we suggest rinsing the bowl with hot water before preparing tea in it, as you would with any chawan.

One of Japan's most recognisable styles, Raku-yaki (楽焼) or Raku ware was developed by famous tea master Sen-no-Rikyu in the late 16th century. Perhaps inspired by the recently created 引き出し黒 (hikidashi-guro) technique used to produce the Seto-guro style of black chawan, Rikyu collaborated with tile-maker Chojiro to produce a new style of ware for use in the tea ceremony. Hand-formed from porous clay rather than wheel-thrown, Raku chawan are then coated in a lead glaze, fired at low temperatures, and removed from the kiln while still glowing hot. Most Raku chawan exist in two styles: Aka-raku (red raku), and Kuro-raku (black raku).

Dimensions:

11.4cm (4.5in) - width
8cm (3.1in) - height
300ml - capacity

Condition: Like new

This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States