Otagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875) poem carved tea bowl #5590

This deeply expressive Japanese antique matcha tea bowl carries the poetic and artistic legacy of Otagaki Rengetsu, a celebrated Buddhist nun and poet of the late Edo to Meiji periods. The surface is adorned with carved waka poetry, where the graceful rhythm of the incised calligraphy creates a harmonious flow around the vessel.

Covered in a soft white slip, the bowl showcases the quiet beauty of subtle form irregularities born on the potter's wheel, paired with the gentle pooling and movement of the glaze. The tactile warmth of the exposed clay underneath and the rustic balance of its silhouette offer tea practitioners and art collectors a profound sense of wabi-sabi aesthetics. Bringing together literary expression and traditional ceramic craft, this tea bowl stands as a peaceful centerpiece for display or Japanese tea ceremony.

width: approx. 11cm (4.33in)

height: approx. 6.4cm (2.52in)

weight: 226g

condition: Good

Accessories: None

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

Poem:
Yamazato wa matsu no koe nomi kiki nare te kaze fuka nu hi wa sabishikari keri.

Living deep in the mountains I’ve grown fond of the soughing pines—On days when the wind is still how lonely it becomes!