Korean Joseon Dynasty Ido Tea Bowl, 16–17C #5238

Width: approx. 14.5cm (5.71in)
Height: approx. 7.5cm (2.95in)
Weight: 354g

This tea bowl is a classic example of an Ido chawan from the Joseon Dynasty (16th–17th century), revered for its rustic charm and humble aesthetic that profoundly influenced Japanese tea ceremony culture. The bowl features a warm, sandy clay body with a thick, crackled glaze that pools unevenly, creating areas of crawling and natural textural contrast. Its gently tapered form with a high foot exudes stability and quiet strength, while the presence of subtle irregularities—such as glaze shrinkage and kiln effects—enhances its wabi-sabi appeal. The surface exhibits beautiful crazing patterns, especially near the foot and rim, and patches of glaze flow demonstrate the unpredictable nature of wood-fired kiln processes. Remarkably, the bowl remains in excellent, unrestored condition, free of modern repairs or restorations. As a utilitarian vessel transformed into an object of aesthetic contemplation, this Ido bowl is an enduring symbol of both Korean ceramic heritage and its profound legacy in the world of tea.