This is a traditional Raku-yaki (楽焼) matcha bowl, a style deeply tied to the Japanese tea ceremony and the wabi-sabi aesthetic. The bowl features a rustic hand-molded form with natural irregularities, embodying the spirit of imperfection that is cherished in tea culture.
The glaze is earthy brown with soft variations in tone, ranging from warm reddish-brown to ashen grey, with a subtle sheen from the kiln firing. Hand-brushed calligraphy encircles the outer surface, adding poetic character and making the bowl not only a tea utensil but also a bearer of written art. The inside reveals rich natural textures, with kiln effects giving depth to its surface.
Raku-yaki originated in Kyoto in the late 16th century under the guidance of the tea master Sen no Rikyū and potter Chōjirō, designed specifically for the tea ceremony (chanoyu). Unlike wheel-thrown wares, Raku bowls are hand-formed, fired at low temperatures, and cooled rapidly, resulting in unique shapes, tactile warmth, and one-of-a-kind glazes.
A deeply atmospheric tea bowl that perfectly embodies the Zen principles of simplicity, imperfection, and transience. Ideal for both tea practice and as a collector’s piece of Japanese ceramic art.
