Shimizu Hiroshi / Karaku Kiln — Katakaki Chawan Historical Context The katakaki technique — known in Western ceramic terminology as sgraffito — is one of the defining decorative methods of Buncheong ware, the distinctive stoneware tradition of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea. In this process, the entire outer surface is first coated with white slip, then the background clay is selectively scraped away to reveal the grey body beneath, leaving the intended design standing in relief as white against an exposed ground. Japanese tea practitioners encountered this style in Korean folk kilns from the fifteenth century onward, and the resulting tea bowls — grouped within the broader category of Korai chawan — became foundational objects of wabi-cha aesthetics. Shimizu Hiroshi, third-generation head of the Rakuzan Kiln lineage of Mie Prefecture, travelled to Korea to conduct sustained research into the clay bodies, glazes, and firing methods of the Yi Dynasty. In 1974, he established the Karaku Kiln in Gimhae, near Busan — the ancient seat of the Gaya Kingdom and a region with a millennium-old ceramic tradition. The name "Karaku" was bestowed by the scholar Tayama Honan. This chawan was produced at that Korean kiln, bearing the impressed "Karaku" seal, and represents his commitment to reviving the authentic spirit of Korai tea ware in its original cultural soil. Aesthetic & Tactile Details The interior carries a freely rendered composition of lotus flowers and scrolling foliage executed in the katakaki technique. White slip was applied across the entire inner surface, after which the background was scraped back to expose the grey clay ground, leaving the lotus and foliage design standing as white relief against the darker body. A band of abstracted leaf motifs runs along the interior rim, and concentric incised lines define the composition into distinct zones, creating a layered rhythm of form and open ground. The exterior is finished with white slip over which the marks of horizontal wheel-throwing are clearly visible as continuous ribbing across the body. The slip application varies in opacity, thinning toward the foot and pooling lightly at the waist, gradually revealing the warm iron-toned clay body as it approaches the kodai. The foot ring shows natural iron firing effects — hi-iro — where the unglazed Korean clay has taken on rust and amber tones from direct kiln atmosphere. The overall form is generously proportioned with a slightly flaring lip, consistent with classical Korai chawan morphology. The tsuchi-aji of the Korean clay conveys the directness and tactile immediacy characteristic of authentic Buncheong lineage work. Artist Profile Shimizu Hiroshi (清水日呂志, born 1934), third-generation head of the Rakuzan Kiln, a lineage rooted in the Banko ware tradition of Mie Prefecture. Having trained under the first-generation Shimizu Rakuzan from 1959, he later travelled to Korea to study Yi Dynasty ceramic traditions at first hand. In 1974, he established the Karaku Kiln (駕洛窯) in Gimhae, near Busan, specialising in Korai-style ceramics using local Korean clay and traditional firing methods. In 1981, he founded the Odaka-yaki Rakuzan Kiln in Mie Prefecture, and in 1992 established a further kiln at Muju in Korea. Works produced in Korea carry the impressed "Karaku" seal; those fired in Japan carry the "Rakuzan" seal. His tea bowls have been used and appreciated within the Enshu School of tea ceremony, and he has received numerous awards throughout his career. Condition & Specifications Condition: Excellent for age. No chips, cracks, or restoration. While this is a vintage piece, it shows no visible signs of use and retains its original appearance in outstanding condition. Minor iron spotting at the foot ring is a natural characteristic of the Korean clay body and kiln firing, not damage. Dimensions: H 6.7 cm × D 14 cm Weight: 255 g Accompanied by a wooden storage box (awase-bako). Total weight including box: 659 g. Shipping Information: This item is shipped via Japan Post EMS as our standard shipping method. Depending on the destination and logistics situation, we may use DHL or FedEx for the fastest and safest delivery. All items include a tracking number and insurance. Each item is carefully wrapped in protective cushioning materials and secured within a double-walled cardboard box to ensure safe international transit. Delivery Lead Time: Normally takes approximately one week. Please note that delivery times may vary depending on the country, region, and customs procedures. Duties and Taxes: Please note that import duties, taxes, and VAT are not included in the product price or shipping cost. 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