Chawan Chawan Made of Raku Ware by Shoki Kimura

Deep reddish-brown tones and subtle, shifting highlights define the glaze of this tea bowl, whose irregularly shaped rim and gently undulating walls immediately reveal the hand of the maker. It is precisely this deliberate departure from symmetry that gives Raku ware its particular appeal, where each piece becomes a genuine unique work through the spontaneous effects of the firing process.

The Raku tradition emerged in the 16th century in the context of the Japanese tea ceremony and has since been closely tied to its aesthetic ideals: restraint, naturalness, and the beauty of imperfection. On this chawan, the glaze pools in the recesses of the walls, creating a lively interplay between matte clay and glossy surfaces. The piece was made by Shoki Kimura, whose calm hand is reflected in the compact, grounded shape of the bowl.

The chawan sits comfortably in the hand and is suited both for the tea ceremony and as a standalone display piece. It is delivered in a wooden box signed by the potter, which protects the work properly while also documenting its origin – a fitting interplay of craftsmanship and tradition.