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 aka (red) 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.  It is well balanced and surprisingly lightweight.

Raku bowls present tea like no other vessel.  When filled with the deep green of whipped matcha, the complimentary colors strike a harmonious balance, transforming the bowl into a contemplative piece reminiscent of a quiet Zen garden.

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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