This unique Raku-yaki (楽焼) matcha bowl features a distinctive glaze in soft grey tones with subtle coral-like hues, giving the surface a natural, organic appearance. The glaze reveals delicate variations—earthy greys, muted browns, and pale mineral blues—creating a surface reminiscent of weathered stone or coral textures.
The hand-molded form is slightly irregular, embodying the wabi-sabi aesthetic that values imperfection, simplicity, and authenticity. Its tactile surface, with small pinholes and natural kiln effects, invites close appreciation during the tea ceremony. The unglazed foot exposes the raw clay body, grounding the piece in its material origins and highlighting its artisanal character.
Raku-yaki, first developed in Kyoto in the late 16th century by Chōjirō under the patronage of tea master Sen no Rikyū, is one of the most iconic styles of Japanese ceramics. Unlike wheel-thrown wares, Raku bowls are shaped by hand, low-fired, and rapidly cooled, resulting in spontaneous glaze patterns and warm, intimate forms. Each piece is one of a kind, treasured by tea practitioners for its individuality and spiritual presence.
