(Please note: ANAGAMA pottery is one of a kind and there are never two alike, so that once sold, this will be out of stock. It takes approximately 7 to 10 business days from the time you order this item until the date it is shipped from Japan. In extremely rare cases, it may take up to 15 business days. If you order this item with other items, they will be shipped together.)

diameter: 4.92inch (12.5cm), height: 3.54inch (9cm), weight: 11.71oz (332g)
Traditional ANAGAMA pottery fired on November 27 to 31, 2010.
Made by Hozan Tanii.

Chawan tea bowls fired in the ANAGAMA kiln have been sought-after by tea masters throughout the history of tea in Japan, especially by those within the Enshu school. The Enshu school was established by Enshu Kobori (1579-1647), who also developed and established the art of the Japanese garden and landscape in the Middle Ages.

The color and pattern of each ANAGAMA ceramic is completely unique. There is never one ANAGAMA the same as any other. The smoky patterns of the ANAGAMA are created by soil, wood ash, and the fire in the ANAGAMA kiln. It is impossible to fully control the patterns made by fire. It is the reason why it is said that ANAGAMA pottery is the art of the combination of earth and fire, and why ANAGAMA fascinates the artisan and touches the heart. (For more information regarding ANGAMA pottery, please click here.)

The gray color of this Chawan is created by wood ash during firing in the kiln. There is a delicate aubergine tone within the gray color. The brownish green color is BEEDORO glaze from wood ash. Burst feldspars look pebbly. The brown and reddish color is created by a fine coating of ash on the clay. It is called HIIRO, which means fire color in Japanese, and is an essential feature of ANAGAMA pottery. Burnt deposits play an important part in deepening the atmosphere. These are all essential features of ANAGAMA pottery.

On the face of this Chawan, a small mountain rises along the top rim, creating a beautiful silhouette. AMA no KAWA means the Milky Way galaxy in Japanese. Burst feldspars on the interior create a feeling of viewing a distant galaxy on a silent night. Viewing this scene from the front of the Chawan, in the foreground, one sees a mountain range, and in the distance is the Milky Way galaxy. On a larger scale, this scene evokes the macrocosmos.

Three shells placed along the front and bottom edge were used to position the Chawan on its side in the kiln. Clam, abalone, and scallop shells are used not only to hold the bowl in place during firing, but to add patterns on the works or adjust the burnt color. Shell is calcareous, containing high levels of calcium carbonate, so that it reacts to fire and creates beautiful and intense color. They add a unique and complex pattern to the surface countenance. The brownish green color on white ash is BEEDORO glaze. It changes in appearance when viewed from different angles. It can give the appearance of warmth, tolerance, boldness, and many other expressions.

The rim is a natural oval shape, created by placing the Chawan on its side while firing in the kiln. The form is carefully designed to fit comfortably in both hands. The roundness from side to bottom is pleasing to the eye and wonderful to hold.

Enormous techniques, developments, time and devotion of Mr. Hozan Tanii went into creating this ANAGAMA work of art, which was first developed in the Middle Ages. Once you see or touch this item, your heart must be mesmerized by the art of earth, fire, and the artisan's soul.

Specially packaged in a wooden box.
Lead-free. Made in Japan.
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