– Tanaka Keiichi (artist name: Ippū) of Toyohoda kiln – Beni-Shino (pink Shino) – delicate variant of iconic Momoyama glaze – Chawan (tea bowl) form central to Japanese tea ceremony aesthetics Summary: This beni-Shino tea bowl by Tanaka Keiichi (working under the artist name Ippū) represents contemporary mastery of historical Mino glazing techniques. Beni-Shino – characterised by soft pink tones emerging through milky white feldspathic glaze – remains one of the most challenging and sought-after variants within the Shino family. The Toyohoda kiln designation indicates workshop affiliation and technical lineage, connecting contemporary practice to centuries of regional ceramic tradition. Shino glazes defined Momoyama-period (late 16th century) tea aesthetics, prized by tea masters for warm, tactile surfaces and painterly spontaneity that embodied wabi-sabi principles. This work continues that legacy while incorporating Tanaka's individual artistic sensibility and contemporary firing methods. Tea bowls occupy singular position in Japanese ceramic hierarchy. They're not merely vessels but instruments for tea ceremony performance, tactile sculptures examined from multiple angles, and focal points for aesthetic contemplation. Every detail matters – footring feel, rim thickness, glaze pooling patterns, how the bowl sits in cupped hands. Shino glaze techniques were largely lost after the Momoyama period ended, their secrets buried with the tea masters and kiln workers who created them. Mid-20th century revival efforts – led by potters like Arakawa Toyozo (1894-1985), who was designated Living National Treasure for Shino research – involved archaeological excavation of historical kiln sites and painstaking experimental firing to decode original methods. Tanaka belongs to this lineage of revival, refining historical glazes through modern ceramic science while honouring traditional aesthetic principles and tea ceremony functionality. The beni-Shino surface displays characteristic pink blushes emerging through white glaze opacity – subtle colour variations resulting from controlled reduction firing and carefully managed kiln atmosphere. The effect suggests natural phenomena – cherry blossoms, dawn skies, fading light – rather than applied decoration. The bowl's form follows tea aesthetic conventions established centuries ago: generous rounded profile, comfortable hand span, stable footring, slightly irregular walls suggesting handmade authenticity over mechanical perfection. In contemporary contexts, Shino tea bowls function equally well as ceremonial vessels or sculptural objects. Their warm, tactile surfaces reward handling and close observation, while their historical depth and technical sophistication appeal to serious collectors building Japanese ceramic collections. For those practicing tea ceremony, genuine Shino works offer authentic connection to practices and aesthetics defining Japanese cultural identity. For broader decorative purposes, the bowls provide organic forms and subtle colour that enliven minimalist interiors without overwhelming surrounding elements. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Japanese ceramics and guarantee this piece's authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours.