KURO RAKU (handcrafted Matcha Bowl)

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) 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 carton box.
Lead-free. Made in Japan.
(Please note that each piece is unique due to the techniques employed by the artisan. There are natural variations in each piece.)

Price

US$136.00

Quantity

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

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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 Raku-Yaki is taken out by pincers from the kiln. Only Raku-Yaki has this small hollow and this serves as proof that the item is authentic Raku-Yaki.

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.
- 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.

Customer Review

No. Author Country Rating Read Date Added
01. Jennifer Falzarano United States
639 06/26/2023
02. Jennifer Falzarano United States
596 06/16/2023
03. Jennifer Falzarano United States
2897 11/28/2020
04. Jennifer Falzarano United States
2632 11/23/2020
05. Helen Wilcox United Kingdom
3238 12/06/2019
06. gonzalo fernandez rodriguez Spain
4648 04/16/2018
07. Michelle United States
5632 03/05/2018
08. Chris Canada
5687 09/26/2017
09. David Waters Australia
7161 03/17/2016
10. Giuseppe Corbelli Italy
6801 01/11/2016
11. matchalove Canada
8744 06/12/2014
12. Begum Ozeke Canada
8979 11/14/2013
13. John Hollister United States
8833 06/05/2013
14. John Wayper United Kingdom
8543 01/17/2013
15. Jeff Meldrum Canada
8966 04/22/2011
16. Barry Martinez United States
8906 06/26/2010
17. George REITER Australia
9980 12/12/2008
18. sha wang Australia
9631 09/18/2008
19. Lars Didriksen Denmark
9218 07/08/2007
20. Walter Hayley United States
9032 12/22/2006
21. James E Fisher United States
7957 11/19/2006
22. Todd Troxell United States
6523 11/01/2006
23. Rebekah Mullaney United States
7716 03/29/2006

Current Reviews: 23 

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