SAMIDARE (handcrafted Matcha Bowl)

(Please note: It takes approximately 2 to 5 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 20 business days. If you order this item with other items, they will be shipped together.)

diameter: 4.33inch (11cm) height: 3.15inch (8cm) weight: 11.99oz (340g)

Made by Shouraku Sasaki at Shouraku Kiln.
Shouraku Kiln, opened in 1903, is one of the most traditional Raku-yaki kilns in Kyoto. Shouraku Sasaki is the third generation of family artisans at the kiln.

This SAMIDARE Matcha bowl is created after the original by Chohjiroh Raku (circa 1500 to 1589), the father of Raku-yaki. Chohjiroh founded Raku-yaki under the guidance of Rikyu Sen, who established Wabi-cha. His unique works reflect most directly the ideals of WABI SABI influenced by Rikyu Sen. (For more information, pleae click here.)

The art of Chohjiroh Raku clears away all embellishment and hyperbole in the pursuit of true beauty. The simple formative design was inspired by Teaism and Zen spiritual culture. High quality duplication traditionally has been admired for established Japanese ceramics since creating high quality duplication requires extremely skilled and broad-based techniques in all aspects of creation, and compels the artisan to meticulously recreate an atmosphere which often was created on accident by the original artisan. Only a few artisans can duplicate historical treasured arts of Raku-yaki.

SAMIDARE means early summer rain in Japanese. It is said that the name derives from the surface tint which looks like calm rain in early summer season. This work is calm but gives a profound and strong feeling.

The black glaze of Chojiro's works is not shiny but matte and moderated because of the kiln firing technique. This SAMIDARE faithfully reproduces its unique light reddish-brown color. The black glaze of Raku-yaki is made from the rare and precious KAMOGAWA stone, found only in the KAMOGAWA River, which flows through the city of Kyoto. Of course, the glaze of this ceramic bowl is made from KAMOGAWA stone.

This Matcha bowl is generally made thicker and the shape is tapered. The rim is slightly recessed and the center is intentionally concave. In contrast to the slightly small form, the foot is shaved slightly larger. It is not often seen in Chojiro's work, which clears away all embellishment and hyperbole, but this work conveys a deliberate feeling. Its exquisite shape and superb color are well matched and evoke an imposing and vigorous atmosphere.

You can see the small dots like pinholes on the surface of the black glaze. The dots are from the bubbling of the glaze, which occurs when it is fired at a high temperature. These are evidence that this piece was created by traditional Raku-yaki methods.

Raku-yaki has a water-absorbing property. If used regularly over a long period of time, the aesthetic of the surface gradually changes. It is also a feature of using Raku-yaki that the atmosphere becomes more WABI SABI. Shouraku Sasaki believes that his works are not complete until Matcha is poured in during use. Please enjoy your green moment with this Matcha bowl, which is infused with traditional dignity and modern creativity.

Chojiro's works show the reverence for nature. This bowl is also said to be a product of chance. You will feel the majesty and natural beauty of this SAMIDARE bowl.

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