Antique Japanese Black Raku Tea Bowl, attributed to Raku 12th Konyu #5364

width: approx. 11.5cm (4 17⁄32in)
height: approx. 7cm (2 3⁄4in)
weight: 251g (w/ box 473g)
condition: firing fault (hair line), no water leakage
note: The box is inscribed with “Made by Tannyu." (not Konyu, It seems that they must have gotten switched somewhere along the way)

This piece is a black Raku tea bowl attributed to Raku Konyu, the 12th head of the Raku family, active during the mid-Edo period. It reflects the traditional Raku ware techniques, with hand-formed contours and a rich, glossy black glaze. The bowl features natural indentations and an asymmetrical form, offering both aesthetic depth and tactile comfort suited for use in the tea ceremony. Inside, subtle kiln effects and glaze variations are visible, adding character to the interior. The unglazed foot is carefully trimmed and shows signs of use and age, with the artist’s seal clearly impressed on the base.