SHIRO CHAWAN - TSURUGIDAKE (handcrafted Matcha Bowl)

(Please note: This is one of a kind and there are never two alike, so that once sold, this will be out of stock. It takes approximately 3 weeks from the time you order this item until the date it is shipped from Japan. In extremely rare cases, it may take up to 4 weeks. If you order this item with other items, they will be shipped together.)

diameter: 4.33inch (11cm) height: 3.14inch (8cm), standard Matcha bowl size
Sophisticated Kyo Yaki (Kyoto Style)
Made by Kyoshitsu Sasaki at Kirai kiln
Op.2310

TSURUGIDAKE is a famous mountain range in Japan, about 3,000 meters above sea level. This mountain in Toyama Prefecture is one of the few mountains in Japan with an existing glacier. TSURUGIDAKE means "Mountain of Swords" and its steepness is so extreme that it has been said for centuries to be extremely dangerous to climb. The rugged surface of the mountain, covered with pure white snow, has been the object of mountain worship and has long been revered by people in Japan. This Matcha bowl is a unique expression of such strength and grace, beautifully expressed with the traditional Raku-yaki technique and a uniquely blended pure white glaze.

This Matcha bowl is made by Kyoshitsu Sasaki at Kirai kiln. Kyoshitsu Sasaki is the fourth head of Shouraku kiln. Shouraku kiln, which opened in 1903, is one of the most traditional Raku-yaki kilns in Kyoto. Raku-yaki is the highest grade Matcha bowl used for the tea ceremony in Japan. (For details of Raku-yaki: RAKU YAKI - Avantgarde to Tradition page)

The name of "Kyoshitsu" and "Kirai" are from Daitokuji temple, which was erected in 1325. The temple has had a great influence on Japanese culture and CHANOYU traditional tea ceremony, since the spirit of CHANOYU is based in Zen philosophy. It is also said that Juko Murata or Sen no Rikyu, who is the famous tea master and pioneer of the tea ceremony, maintained close relations with Daitokuji temple.

This Shiro Chawan is quite unique work, which is made with an avant-garde spirit while strictly adhering to traditional Raku-yaki techniques. A typical Matcha bowl made of white clay with a transparent glaze cannot achieve such a pure white color. The normal Raku-Yaki white glaze is a raw color. However, this is Kyoshitsu Sasaki's original pure white glaze. By using a snow-white glaze, which has never been used in the history of Raku-yaki, the snowy landscape covering Mount TSURUGIDAKE is beautifully represented.

This Matcha bowl is based on the shape loved by Sen no Rikyu, the founder of the tea ceremony. The traditional TEZUKUNE technique of forming by only hand, without using a potter's wheel, creates a unique tension at the body and mouth of the Matcha bowl. The sides are shaved with a spatula. This type of shaving was a technique that Raku Ryonyu 9th (1756 - 1834) and Raku Keinyu 11th (1817 - 1902) excelled at. They are considered to be the ancestors who rejuvenated the Raku family, and are known for their efforts to preserve the Raku-yaki traditions that had preceded them, while introducing new techniques within the framework of those traditions. They excelled in the use of the spatula tool for sculpting clay, among successive generations of the Raku family, pursuing an impressive expression of movement. This pattern, produced in one fluid stroke, is a “one-shot game” and cannot be reworked. The unique shape clearly indicates the characteristics of genuine Raku-yaki.

The mouth is boldly and forcefully carved in the manner of Honami Koetsu (1558 - 1637). The sharpness of the sides, which have been shaved with a spatula, like the peaks of a high mountain, is emphasized, and the shaving, which extends to the mouth, clearly conveys the power of the mountain range.

This Matcha bowl undergoes two firing processes before completion. During the first firing, the Matcha bowl is unglazed. This increases the strength of the bowl. Then, by firing it a second time with a pure white glaze, the original texture and color of the clay is maintained, creating a contrast with the white color covering the surface. Also, the glaze flows over the shaved surface, creating lighter and darker areas, further emphasizing the three-dimensional appeal of this Matcha bowl. The shadows change depending on the angle at which the light hits them, and the appearance of the shadows is just like the spectacular view of Mount TSURUGIDAKE.

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.

Silence and nature are two of the most important elements in understanding the spirit of WABI SABI. The quiet strength of Mount TSURUGIDAKE, which has stood tall and noble through the ages, is encapsulated in this single Matcha bowl. Kyoshitsu 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. (More info: Sen no Rikyu & the ZEN spirit)