Antique Japanese E-Shino Mino Ware Tea Bowl Chawan with Box #5530

width: approx. 12.5cm (4.9in)

height: approx. 7.5cm (3.0in)

weight: approx. 331g (w/box 543g)

condition: No noticeable scratches or stains.

Accessories: Wooden box (damage to the box, missing inner lid slat).

writing on the box: teabowl made by Shinra

Shipping: Shipped from Japan with a tracking number. We take great care in professional packaging to ensure the item arrives safely.

This antique Japanese E-Shino Chawan (tea bowl) is a hallmark of Mino ware, celebrated for its bold aesthetics and tactile beauty. The bowl is enveloped in a thick, milky-white feldspar glaze (Choseki-yu) that creates a "Yuzu-hada" (citrus skin) texture, characterized by delicate pinholes that add a soft, organic feel.

Beneath the glaze, the "E" (painted) element features iron-oxide brushwork, providing a rhythmic contrast to the snowy surface. A key point of appreciation for tea practitioners is the "Keshiki" (scenery) formed by the glaze drips near the foot (Kodai). These thick accumulations resemble melting snow, showcasing the unpredictable beauty of the kiln's fire.

The fine network of "Kannyu" (crackle patterns) will gradually darken and evolve with use—a process known in Japanese tea culture as "growing" the bowl. This piece offers a perfect balance of traditional craftsmanship and Wabi-Sabi philosophy. For international collectors, the visible crackle and pinholes are intentional artistic features of Shino ware, not defects. The robust shape and earthy texture of the exposed clay at the base provide a grounding presence, making it a centerpiece for conversation in any tea ceremony or collection of Japanese ceramics. The item remains in excellent antique condition without chips or cracks, though the accompanying wooden box shows signs of wear and age.