Antique Japanese Black Raku Tea Bowl Chawan Attributed to Raku 7th Chonyu #5523

Width: approx. 11.0cm (4.3in)
Height: approx. 7.0cm (2.8in)
Weight: approx. 270g (w/ box 465g)
Condition: Good antique condition. Some surface wear, minor stains, and small scratches consistent with age. Please refer to the images for details.
Accessories: Wooden Box, Shifuku (Silk Pouch)
Shipping: Shipped from Japan with a tracking number. We take great care in professional packaging to ensure the item arrives safely.

Indulge in the profound aesthetic of Japanese tea ceremony with this Black Raku Tea Bowl (Chawan), attributed to Raku Kichizaemon VII (also known as Chonyu), the head of the prestigious Raku family in Kyoto.

As a prominent member of the Sen-ke Jishoku (the ten designated craft families for the Sen tea schools), the 7th generation head created pieces that embody the "Wabi-sabi" philosophy. This bowl features the traditional Tezukune (hand-kneading) technique, where the artist shapes the clay without a pottery wheel. This results in a unique, organic form with subtle undulations that fit perfectly into the palms, providing a tactile connection between the tea practitioner and the vessel.

The Kuro-Raku (black glaze) exhibits a deep, lustrous texture with a quiet complexity that changes under different lighting. The "Keshiki" (landscape) of the glaze and the exposed clay around the foot (Kodai) showcase the master's sophisticated kiln control.

For the serious collector, this set is particularly valuable as it includes the original Tomobako (authenticated wooden box) and a Shifuku (fine silk pouch), ensuring its provenance and protection. This Chawan is not just a vessel but a piece of Zen history, perfect for use in formal tea gatherings (Chaji) or as a centerpiece for Japanese ceramic connoisseurs. Search terms: Raku-yaki, Kyoto pottery, Matcha bowl, Japanese antiques, Chonyu Raku, Chanoyu.