Kuro Raku Tea Ceremony Bowl by Wada Tōzan

Description

Raku (raku-yaki) is a low-fired ceramic ware first produced by Sasaki Chojirō (d. 1592) in the 16th century in Kyoto.  Under the encouragement and patronage of his close friend, tea master Sen no Rikyū, he crafted a style of bowl which was devoid of any decoration or sense of movement.  They were made to embody Rikyū's wabi-cha philosophy.  That is, tea ceremony in which great emphasis is placed on simplicity, austerity and quiet appreciation.

Although the appellation "Raku" is reserved for those works made by Chojirō and his successors, the name is used by a number of contemporary Japanese potters who adhere to the same forming, glazing and firing techniques.  Wada Tōzan is one who stands out among them.  His raku works are charcoal fired at his family-owned kiln Ōizumi-gama.

This kuro (black) raku bowl is formed entirely by hand, without the aid of a potter's wheel, in a meticulous process which negates any sense of mechanical precision.  In the absence of decorative elements, it communicates with the viewer on a more abstract and subconscious level.  A sense of monolithic strength is immediately perceptible in its half-cylinder body, yet restrained by the soft curvature of the rim.  Grace and balance are conveyed at the base where the weight of the bowl comes to rest squarely upon the footring.

Raku bowls present tea like no other vessel.  When filled with the verdant color of whipped matcha, the contrast with black transforms the bowl into a contemplative piece reminiscent of a quiet Zen garden.

Raku bowls are intended solely for the preparation of matcha green tea.  See our using raku safely page for more information.

A wooden presentation box will be custom made to order and signed by the artist.  Delivery time for this item is 2 weeks.

A fukusa display cloth is included.

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