Important – Please Read Before Bidding For a smooth and secure transaction, please carefully review the following information before placing a bid. ⸻ ● Import Taxes & Customs Duties All customs duties, import taxes, and customs clearance fees are the responsibility of the buyer. VAT paid on Catawiki is separate from local customs duties and import taxes. Please check with your local customs office in advance. ⸻ ■ Shipping & Packaging All items are shipped from Japan via Japan Post EMS (insured). If EMS is not available for your country, a private international courier will be used instead. Items are carefully packed to withstand long-distance international shipping. ⸻ □ Tax Code Requirement (EU and certain regions) After purchase, buyers may be required to provide a tax code (such as VAT number, fiscal code, etc.). Failure to provide the required tax code may result in customs delays or return of the parcel. ⸻ ◆ Damage & Shipping Issues If the item arrives damaged, please contact your local post office and Catawiki Support within 3 days of delivery. Before leaving feedback, please contact us first so we can assist you appropriately. ⸻ (Shipping to the United States) Currently, EMS shipping to the United States is suspended. A private international courier will be used instead. Please note that items containing batteries or bladed tools may not be eligible for shipment. ⸻ All items are shipped from Japan. ■ Description This is an Aka Raku tea bowl from Kyoto ware. It features a soft, warm clay body with a rich reddish tone and a gently lustrous glaze, embodying the characteristic warmth and wabi aesthetic of Raku ware. Natural variations in color and texture created during firing give the piece a subtle yet profound presence. The body is boldly decorated with hand-painted kanji characters, executed with expressive brushwork. This dynamic combination of ceramic surface and calligraphic design enhances the artistic quality of the piece, making it not only a functional tea utensil but also an object of art. The form appears to be hand-built, typical of Raku ware, with slight irregularities and a gently undulating rim. These features provide a comfortable fit in the hand and reflect the warmth of handcrafted work. Inside, the glaze pools naturally, creating a beautiful visual effect when preparing matcha. The foot reveals a pleasing clay texture, and the base bears the “Raku” mark, indicating its connection to the Raku tradition. The tea bowl is accompanied by its original wooden box (tomobako), adding to its value as both a tea utensil and a collectible item. As a work that reflects the aesthetic principles associated with Sen no Rikyu and the Raku tradition within Kyoto ceramics, this piece is suitable for both practical use and appreciation. ⸻ ■ Included * Original wooden box (tomobako) ⸻ ■ Dimensions (approx.) Diameter: 11.5 cm Height: 8.2 cm Please allow for slight measurement differences. ⸻ ■ Condition There are minor signs of age and storage such as light wear and surface marks. Glaze irregularities and crackle (crazing) are inherent characteristics of the firing process and Raku ware. There are no major damages such as cracks or chips, and the overall condition is good. ⸻ ■ Notes This is a vintage/used item. Please understand and accept signs of age and use before placing a bid.