Japanese Green Tea

diameter: 4.72inch (12cm) height: 3.54inch (9cm), standard matcha bowl size Made at Shohraku Kiln. Shohraku Kiln, opened in 1903, is one of the most traditional Raku-yaki Kilns in Kyoto. In Japan, Raku-yaki is the highest grade matcha bowl used for the tea ceremony. Raku-yaki is a very unique ceramics technique that was developed only for matcha bowls in Kyoto about 400 years ago. Today, it is still made in the same traditional way. Raku-yaki is the object of envy for people who learn the tea ceremony and so they are anxious to possess Raku-yaki. There are two main kinds of Raku-yaki: Kuro-raku which means black Raku-yaki, and Aka-raku, which means red Raku-yaki. This matcha bowl is black, so it is known as Kuro-raku. The most unique feature of Raku-yaki is that it feels very soft and warm to the touch by hands or mouth. Though Raku-yaki is thick, it is very light, and given thick coats of glaze. This helps to give Raku-yaki it's soft and warm material feel. It is created by heating for a shorter time with a lower temperature than any other general ceramics. (1,100C to 1,200C (2,012F to 2.192F) and about 10 minutes) The glaze made from Kamogawa river-stone which is kneaded and then melted down by heat, creates the traditional atmosphere. It is said that the Kuro-raku's black colour brings matcha's bright green colour out into prominence. The shape from the bottom to the side and top reminds you of the artisan's deep consideration for this bowl to comfortably fit your hands and mouth. The reddish color on the front side is a traditional Raku-yaki decoration technique – demure at a glance but elegant in a traditional tea room "Chasitsu". The color is brought by the special glaze called "Shinsya" which contains copper. "Shinsya" glaze creates this reddish color by heating without oxygen in the kiln, known as reduction. Heated with oxygen, it creates a greenish color. Raku Yaki has a water-absorbing property. Used for a long time, the surface aesthetic property a little changes. It is also a feature of using Raku-yaki that the atmosphere becomes more "Wabi-Sabi". "Wabi-Sabi" is a Japanese aesthetic and spiritual ideal that implies authentic simplicity and imperfect beauty. Enjoy your green moment with Kuro-raku, the most historical and traditional matcha bowl! Specially packaged in a wooden box. Lead-free. Made in Japan. Free shipping on all tea ware items! (Features of this item) - Very soft and warm to the touch by hands or mouth. - The shape fits your hands and mouth and reminds you of the artisan's deep consideration. - The small hollow is made when Kuro-Raku is taken out by pincers from the kiln. Only Kuro-Raku has this small hollow and this serves as proof that the item is authentic Kuro-Raku. - Each Kuro-raku is stamped with the artist's name on the back. - Specially packaged in a wooden box. (Directions) - Raku-yaki has a water-absorbing property, so it is possible for this ceramic to retain and "sweat" small amounts of water. - Before using Raku-yaki for the first time, please soak in lukewarm water for one or two minutes. Before reusing after it has been stored long term, please soak for thirty seconds. This process helps to keep Raku-yaki strong and durable as well as clean and stain-resistant. - It is best to wash the Raku-yaki using only tepid water. - If necessary, you may occasionally use a mild chlorine-free dish washing detergent. - Do not sterilize by boiling, washing with chlorine detergent, or in a dish washing machine. - In case of using this as a dish, don't serve foods that have been made with sweetened vinegar. The vinegar may damage the glaze. - Take care not to hit the bowl against a hard surface or give it a strong shock. - Before you store Raku-yaki in its wooden box for long tem, dry off fully in the shade for 4 to 7 days. Otherwise, if the clay remains wet while it is packed away in a box, there is a possibility for the Raku-yaki to take on an unusual earthy odor or even for mold to form. - If Raku-yaki takes on an unusual earthy odor, you can remove the odor by continuing to use Raku-yaki every day for a week.