AKA RAKU - BATARAI (handcrafted Matcha Bowl)

diameter: 5.51inch (14cm) height: 2.17inch (5.5cm), flat style Matcha bowl
Traditional Kyo-Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Rakunyu Yoshimura at Suiraku Kiln

In Japan, Raku-yaki is the highest grade Matcha bowl used for the tea ceremony. Having a flat form Matcha bowl is the ultimate luxury. The taste of Matcha brewed in this bowl is subtle elegance.
This Matcha bowl is ideal for the summer season. Flat, open and low height of this style of Matcha bowl lowers the temperature of the Matcha. Adding to its direct effect, low and thick shape of the bowl also creates a cool atmosphere even though Matcha is brewed as usual. Direct and indirect effect adds to the taste of the Matcha even more in the summer season. Depending on your preference, it is also possible to use this bowl throughout the year.

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 red, so it is known as Aka-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 feeling. It is created by heating for a shorter time with a lower temperature than any other general ceramic. (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 color brings Matcha's bright green color out into prominence. In contrast to it, it is said that Aka-Raku's red color with mathca's green color is more fascinatingly elegant. 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.

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 Aka-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.)