OTOKOZE (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: 4.92inch (12.5cm) height: 3.54inch (9cm) weight: 14.1oz (400g)

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 OTOKOZE Matcha bowl is created after the original by Kohetsu Honami (1558 - 1637), one of the three great ancestors of Raku-yaki. He was a typical man of culture of his period, developing various cultural activities. Kohetsu started making Raku-yaki assisted by Johkei and Nonkoh, who are part of the Raku family. His works are known for their spontaneity, without constraint. (For more information, pleae click here.)

The original work OTOKOZE made by Kohetsu Honami 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. Third-generation artisan Shouraku Sasaki of one of the most traditional Raku-yaki Kilns in Kyoto is the ideal individual to re-awaken this treasured creation into the present day.

The form of this bowl faithfully reproduces the original work of Kohetsu Honami. Kohetsu is famous for producing novel and avant-garde works. The round shape like this OTOKOZE bowl is a textbook example. Its form and size surprisingly fit into both hands when drinking Matcha, in contrast with the unique and novel appearance. Typical works of Kohetsu are known for the shape, especially the rim, formed unevenly and asymmetrically. This is the quintessential example of this unique silhouette.

The name OTOKOZE is known as OKAME in Japanese. OKAME is a traditional mascot in Japan, said to bring good luck, social success, a good match, and so on. It is imagined that it was named because the unique silhouette seen from the bottom resembles the outline of OKAME.

The cream-colored area on the surface is known as FU, which appears on traditional Aka-raku. FU is one of the color changes that occurs when a piece is fired surrounded by BINCHOTAN charcoal produced from Japanese Ubame oak. In other words, it is the burn mark created by BINCHOTAN. The surface of Aka-raku is like a canvas fabric and the unique designs of BINCHOTAN appear during firing in the kiln. Superb FU depends on the quality of BINCHOTAN charcoal and the skill of the craftsman to control the kiln’s fire.

You can also see KANNYU cracking on the surface. It occurs due to the different levels of shrinkage between the earthenware and glaze. Each pattern of cracking is so different that each bowl has a unique pattern. The irregular cracked lines and soft pale red color are well reflected on this Matcha bowl.

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 OTOKOZE bowl was unprecedented at the time it was first created by Kohetsu Honami. Its remarkable beauty will bring nobility and elegance to your green moment.

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