Chawan Chawan Raku Ware by Shōraku Sasaki

A hand-formed tea bowl with a vivid red glaze that transitions into a deep black on one side – a play of color that arises only from Raku ware firing with its rapid cooling.

This chawan is by Shōraku Sasaki. A maple leaf is incised into the dark glaze area, a small but effective detail that lends the bowl an autumnal note and distinguishes it from purely monochrome Raku ware pieces. The slightly irregular shape with its organically curving rim is typical of the Raku ware tradition, which deliberately forgoes symmetry and perfection in order to give expression to the wabi-sabi aesthetic.

The bowl comes in a wooden box signed by the master potter, which confirms its authenticity and at the same time serves as a dignified storage for daily or ceremonial use.