Studio Touan
| Item | Chawan tea bowl |
|---|---|
| Colour | Black, rainbow |
| Origin | Kyoto, Japan |
| Style | Kyo-/Kiyomizu-yaki |
| Studio | Touan |
| Dimensions | Ø13.5 x 7.5cm |
| Material | Porcelain |
| Shape | Tenmoku (天目) |
| Stamp | Seal to base |
| Packaging | Gift box |
Each piece is handmade and unique, therefore colour, finish and dimensions may vary slightly
The Touan studio was founded in 1922 at Sennyuji Temple in Higashiyama, Kyoto, and currently employs around 20 craftsmen, making it one of the largest kilns in the city. The site where the main store is located was originally a traditional Kyoto roof tile manufacturing facility run by the first generation master of Touan. Third generation master Dobuchi Yoshihide (土渕善英) studied sculpture in Germany and spent many years researching glazes, while fourth generation and current kiln master Dobuchi Yoshiaki (土渕善亜貴) used this research to develop the iconic Hana-kessho "flower crystal" glaze.
The tea bowl, known as a Chawan or Matchawan (抹茶碗, literally: "matcha tea bowl") in Japanese, originated in China and began to be imported to Japan in the 13th century. To this day, the Chawan is used in the Japanese tea ceremony to serve Koicha: a thick, dark tea made with the finest matcha, as well as Usucha: a thinner, frothier, diluted version – and how matcha is typically prepared for everyday drinking. Chawan come in a variety of shapes and regional styles, sometimes with the addition of seasonal motifs, making them popular collectors' items.
Kyo- and Kiyomizu-yaki (清水焼), used together or interchangeably, refers to pottery produced in the Kyoto area, covering a variety of different styles. Historically Kiyomizu-yaki exclusively referred to pottery made on the road leading up to the ancient Kiyomizu Temple (now a UNESCO World Heritage site). From 794 to 1603 Kyoto was the imperial capital, attracting the most skilled artisans across the country. Even after the seat of government moved to Edo, present day Tokyo, Kyoto continued to be the cultural and spiritual centre of Japan. Typical Kyoto wares are decorated with colourful hand-painted motifs using overglaze enamel pigments: a technique that appeared in the 17th century and is still a hallmark of Kyo-yaki today.
Contest Grade 98 P.
Uji | Samidori, Yama no Ibuki, Asahi
20g
€2,245.00 / 1kg
