Aka 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 slightly squared and surprisingly lightweight.  The depth of color presents whipped matcha green tea beautifully.

The artist was born Wada Masāki in 1947.  As a commemoration to the three generations of potters who have held the title of Tōzan since the Meiji Era, he has imprinted the sides of the bowl with their official artist stamps. 

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.

View Wada Tōzan's Profile  |  View all works by this artist.