A modern twist on the classic Raku style, this shiro-raku yunomi (teacup) features a slightly waisted tsutsu-gata shape and is glazed in a soft, pure white that accentuated the colour of the tea.
Specifications
Made in Japan. Ships from the United States.
Width: 8.2 cm (3.2 in) (Widest Point)
Height: 8 cm (3.1 in)
Capacity: 220 ml
Kyō-yaki Ceramics
Kyō-yaki (京焼) is a type of Japanese pottery that traditionally comes from Kyoto, Japan. The pottery traditions of Kyoto date back to the 5th century and are varied in their styles. The styles most associated with modern kyō-yaki production began during the 1600s when Nonomura Ninsei perfected his overglaze technique, leading to the elegantly decorated, multi-coloured wares that Kyoto has come to be famous for.
About Kuro-raku
The earliest and most famous raku chawan are known as kuro-raku (黒楽 - black raku) and as their name suggests, have a plain black glaze. This glaze was originally made from a mixture of white lead and stones from the Kamogawa river, though modern formulations vary. These bowls are generally fired individually at temperatures around 1000-1200°C for 1-2 hours before being removed with tongs rapidly cooled. Depending on the glaze formulation, firing temperature, and cooling method, the lustre can range from very glossy to a dull matte, with higher temperatures and faster cooling leading to glossier finishes.
Pictured here is Omokage (面影), one of the original Kuro-raku chawan attributed to Chōjirō in the late 1500s.
Meet Touan (陶葊)About the Artist
Founded in 1922 at HIgashiyama Senyū-ji Temple, Touan has since become one of the largest Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki producers, with over 20 artisans hand-crafting and painting each piece. In contrast to the standard overglaze painting technique that Kyoto ceramics are known for, Touan has developed an underglaze technique that produces the same vibrant colours and delicate lines, but is more durable due to the glaze being layered on top of the painting.
Touan is headed by fourth generation potter Dobuchi Yoshiaki (土渕善亜貴) who is known for his stunning developments in glazing, creating Touan's new signature crystal flower glaze. Additionally, he is one of only a handful of potters who has successfully replicated the elusive yōhen tenmoku glaze.
