Almost exclusively used for tea ceremonies, traditional Japanese Raku is a special type of hand-moulded, lead-glazed pottery that is quick-fired at low temperatures then rapidly cooled in air or water to give it its characteristic soft, warm texture. Designed to reflect the sobriety of the Wabi-cha aesthetic championed by Japanese tea master, Sen no Rikyu, Raku bowls were originally produced, without ornament, in black or red – colours believed to bring out the vibrant green of Matcha most beautifully.
Tannyu Chawan
Shi-Raku
Raku Kichizaemon X
SKU
0163
A rare Shiro Raku-yaki Chawan tea bowl by Raku Kichizaemon X, aka Tannyū (1795–1854), made in Kyoto during the first half of the 19th century. The bowl is of a slightly uneven, cylindrical form, covered in a grey-white glaze with large craquelure, and illustrated with sailing boats on a dark grey horizon line. The Raku seal is stamped adjacent to the unglazed foot-ring in a double circle.
| Artist | Raku Kichizaemon X (Tannyū) |
| Period | 1800–1850 |
| Item | Chawan matcha bowl |
| Origin | Kyoto, Japan |
| Style | Raku-yaki (楽焼) |
| Dimensions | Ø11.2 x 7.9cm |
| Weight | 246g |
| Artist's mark | Double circle Raku seal to base |
| Packaging | Kiribako, silk bag |
This masterpiece is part of the Yoshi en Private Collection, shown here for display only and is not for sale.
In stock
Raku Kichizaemon X
Tannyū (1795-1854), second son of Raku Kichizaemon IX, aka Ryōnyū (1756-1834), succeeded his father as the tenth head of the Raku family after the early death of his older brother in 1811. He held this position until his retirement in 1845. Stylistically, his bowls are similar to that of his father's but with more varied and sophisticated trimming.
The Raku family traces its roots back to Tanaka Chōjirō: a 16th century Kyoto-based tile-maker who developed Raku bowls in collaboration with foremost Japanese tea master, Sen no Rikyu. After Chōjirō's death, his successor Jōkei, was bestowed the Raku seal and name by Prince Hideyoshi, which, 450 years and sixteen generations later, continues to identify the work of the Raku family today.
Chawan 茶碗
The tea bowl, known as a Chawan (茶碗: "tea bowl") or Matchawan (抹茶椀: "matcha tea bowl") in Japanese, originated in China and began to be imported to Japan in the 13th century. To this day, Chawan are used in the Japanese tea ceremony to prepare and serve Koicha (濃茶): a thick, dark tea made with the finest matcha, as well as Usucha (薄茶): a thinner, frothier version – or 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.
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