KURO RAKU (handcrafted Matcha Bowl)

diameter: 4.72inch (12cm) height: 3.54inch (9cm), standard matcha bowl size
Made at Shohraku Kiln.
Shohraku Kiln, opened in 1903, is one of the most traditional Raku-yaki Kilns in Kyoto.

In Japan, Raku-yaki is the highest grade matcha bowl used for the tea ceremony. Raku-yaki is a very unique ceramics technique that was developed only for matcha bowls in Kyoto about 400 years ago. Today, it is still made in the same traditional way. Raku-yaki is the object of envy for people who learn the tea ceremony and so they are anxious to possess Raku-yaki. There are two main kinds of Raku-yaki: Kuro-raku which means black Raku-yaki, and Aka-raku, which means red Raku-yaki. This matcha bowl is black, so it is known as Kuro-raku.

The most unique feature of Raku-yaki is that it feels very soft and warm to the touch by hands or mouth. Though Raku-yaki is thick, it is very light, and given thick coats of glaze. This helps to give Raku-yaki it's soft and warm material feel. It is created by heating for a shorter time with a lower temperature than any other general ceramics. (1,100C to 1,200C (2,012F to 2.192F) and about 10 minutes) It is said that the Kuro-raku's black colour brings matcha's bright green colour out into prominence. The shape from the bottom to the side and top reminds you of the artisan's deep consideration for this bowl to comfortably fit your hands and mouth.

The reddish color on the front side is a traditional Raku-yaki decoration technique - demure at a glance but elegant in a traditional tea room "Chasitsu". The color is brought by the special glaze called "Shinsya" which contains copper. "Shinsya" glaze creates this reddish color by heating without oxygen in the kiln, known as reduction. Heated with oxygen, it creates a greenish color.

Raku Yaki has a water-absorbing property. Used for a long time, the surface aesthetic property a little changes. It is also a feature of using Raku-yaki that the atmosphere becomes more WABI-SABI. WABI-SABI is a Japanese aesthetic and spiritual ideal that implies authentic simplicity and imperfect beauty. Enjoy your green moment with Kuro-raku, the most historical and traditional matcha bowl!

Specially packaged in a carton box.
Lead-free. Made in Japan.
(Please note that each piece is unique due to the techniques employed by the artisan. There are natural variations in each piece.)