Chawan Chawan Made of Aka-Raku Ware by Shoraku Sasaki

The earthy, multilayered warmth of traditional Raku ware from Kyoto shows itself in this chawan by Sasaki Shoraku with a harmonious blend of colors and textures. Sasaki Shoraku, an established master of the Shoraku lineage, continues the family tradition that has produced Raku ware in Kyoto and later in Kameoka for over a hundred years. Specializing in aka- and kuro-raku, he creates hand-formed pieces without a potter's wheel, which owe their characteristic porosity and subtle glaze transitions to low firing temperatures and a reduced atmosphere – a technique closely tied to the tea ceremony and often incorporating homages to historical masters such as Chojiro.

The vessel has a wide, irregularly undulating shape with pronounced vertical ribs that run like gentle folds across the wall, lending the chawan a sculptural presence. The glaze shifts from warm orange and terracotta to cool gray and green tones, interrupted by glossy drips and matte areas that merge in natural transitions. These vivid color gradations and the rough, porous surface create a contrast that reveals new nuances depending on the light – from earthy depth to delicate reflections – inviting one to explore the piece haptically.

As a handcrafted unique work by a renowned Raku master, this chawan is presented in a signed wooden box, underscoring its authenticity and its value for collectors and tea lovers. It is excellently suited for preparing matcha, where the slight porosity, the pleasant warmth, and the visual complexity enrich the ritual and convey a deep sense of calm. Over time, the object gains even more character through patina and use, becoming a living testament to Japanese craftsmanship that unites transience and permanence.