MUKIGURI (handcrafted Matcha Bowl)

(Please note: It takes approximately 2 to 5 business days from the time you order this item until the date it is shipped from Japan. In extremely rare cases, it may take up to 20 business days. If you order this item with other items, they will be shipped together.)

diameter: 3.94inch (10cm) height: 3.35inch (8.5cm) weight: 11.6oz (330g)

Made by Shouraku Sasaki at Shouraku Kiln.
Shouraku Kiln, opened in 1903, is one of the most traditional Raku-yaki kilns in Kyoto. Shouraku Sasaki is the third generation of family artisans at the kiln.

This MUKIGURI Matcha bowl is created after the original by Chohjiroh Raku (circa 1500 to 1589), the father of Raku-yaki, who began to create Raku-yaki under the supervision of Rikyu Sen who indurated Teaism. (For more information, pleae click here.)

The original work MUKIGURI made by Chohjiroh Raku is designated as an Important Cultural Property. High quality duplication traditionally has been admired for established Japanese ceramics since creating high quality duplication requires extremely skilled and broad-based techniques in all aspects of creation, and compels the artisan to meticulously recreate an atmosphere which often was created on accident by the original artisan. Only a few artisans can duplicate historical treasured arts of Raku-yaki.

The art of Chohjiroh Raku usually clears away all embellishment and hyperbole in the pursuit of natural beauty. However, in this piece, you will strongly sense the work of man as architect. This piece is thought to have been strongly influenced by tea master Rikyu Sen. Among all of Chohjiroh’s works, this is one of the most original and unique.

MUKIGURI Matcha bowl has a very unique shape, and was unprecedented at the time it was first created by Chohjiroh Raku. Such a creative work is not seen even among the works of Chohjiroh Raku who had left many works in the world. MUKIGURI looks highly structured, yet it is remarkably natural and it seems that this bowl embodies the ultimate beauty. It is said that the beauty was admired by Rikyu Sen.

The form is very distinctive. The lower half is rounded like a regular Matcha bowl, on the other hand, the upper half is shaped like a cube, which is called MASU GATA in Japanese. The two unique shapes are in perfect harmony. Harmonies and contrasts of tension and respite, flatness and curve of this MUKIGURI are indescribably elegant. It is said that this is one of Chojiroh's most beautiful works. The unique and creative designs create a noble atmosphere. It feels very soft and warm to the touch by hands or mouth. You will be fascinated by Chojiroh's view of the world.

The black glaze of Chojiroh's works is not shiny but matte and moderated because of the kiln firing technique. The black glaze of Raku-yaki is made from the rare and precious KAMOGAWA stone, found only in the KAMOGAWA River, which flows through the city of Kyoto. Of course, the glaze of this ceramic bowl is made from KAMOGAWA stone.

Raku-yaki has a water-absorbing property. If used regularly over a long period of time, the aesthetic of the surface gradually changes. It is also a feature of using Raku-yaki that the atmosphere becomes more WABI SABI. Shouraku Sasaki believes that his works are not complete until Matcha is poured in during use. Please enjoy your green moment with this Matcha bowl, which is infused with traditional dignity and modern creativity.

This MUKIGURI bowl gives a glimpse of the spirit and feelings of Rikyu Sen. You will certainly feel the spirit of tea ceremony and the magnificent history of Raku-yaki.

Specially packaged in a wooden box.
Lead-free. Made in Japan.