Japanese Kawai Kanjiro Iron-Glazed Tea Bowl, 20C #5297 for sale

Up for sale is this "Japanese Kawai Kanjiro Iron-Glazed Tea Bowl, 20C #5297" If you have any questions please contact us before buy it. No reserve.

width: approx. 13.8cm (5 27⁄64in)
height: approx. 5.6cm (2 13⁄64in)
weight: 313g (w/ box 560g)


This iron-glazed tea bowl is an exceptional work by Kawai Kanjiro, one of the most celebrated Japanese potters of the 20th century. The bowl’s dynamic form, combined with a deep, lustrous black glaze overlaid with purplish-red and white crystalline patterns, reveals a masterful interplay of intentional artistry and natural kiln effects. The distinctive glazing is a result of yohen—a spontaneous transformation during high-temperature firing—which produces dramatic, one-of-a-kind patterns resembling a cosmic or organic landscape. The contrast between the flowing, molten-like textures and the dark ground evokes a profound sense of stillness and energy. The unglazed foot retains visible wheel marks, highlighting the handmade nature of the piece and offering a tactile connection to the artist's hand. The bowl is in excellent condition, with no chips, cracks, or glaze losses, and the surface remains brilliantly glossy. The original wooden box (tomobako) bears Kawai’s handwritten inscription “Tetsuyu Saiwan” along with his signature, confirming its authenticity. This tea bowl is not only a functional object for the tea ceremony but also a powerful artistic statement rooted in the spirit of the Mingei (folk craft) movement, infused with Kawai’s unique aesthetic sensibility.

shop policy

Appraisal
We are a very small team with limited resources and are unable to conduct scientific age verification or appraisals by the artist’s descendants. We evaluate items using specialized reference books, scholarly resources, and knowledge inherited from senior experts in the field. If a purchased item does not meet your expectations, please feel free to contact us. We sincerely value your opinion.

Cancellation and Return
We accept return only if you contact us within 30 days after you receive the items. Return-shipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility. If you ask a cancellation before shipping the package, we may ask a 20% restocking fee.

Shipping
+ Shipping to the USA, Europe, and Asia is free. For other areas, please contact us. Shipping is via EMS or DHL.
+ VAT is not included in the item price.
+ We will ship within 3 business days. Shipping time is usually around a week.

Insurance
We are not responsible for delays, returns, damage or loss due to customs or postal processing. EMS is insured (the amount on the label is the guaranteed amount). If you choose DHL, we recommend that you purchase additional insurance. Please note that if you choose the DHL drop service option, insurance will not be applied.

Taxes
Import duties, taxes and fees are not included in the item price. If your country requires customs duties, etc., it is your responsibility to pay them.

To customers buying tableware
Our products are mostly used. We sell them in the same condition they were purchased, please be sure to clean them thoroughly before actually using them.