Title Tobe Ware Chawan by Yamada Hakusui (山田白水) — Hakusui-gama — Tobe Town Intangible Cultural Asset Seal — Imperial Household Tea Ceremony — With Tomobako & Shiori Historical Context Tobe Town, Ehime Prefecture, is the 250-year-old birthplace of Tobe ware — one of Japan's most celebrated porcelain traditions, designated as a Traditional Craft by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Within this distinguished lineage, Yamada Hakusui (born 1914) stands as one of the most honoured ceramic artists of the post-war era, recognised as an Intangible Cultural Asset of Tobe Town — the highest designation bestowed upon a craftsperson by the local authority responsible for preserving this 250-year tradition. His achievements extended to the highest levels of Japanese society. He was commissioned to create the tea bowl used for the Imperial Tea Ceremony during the Imperial visit to Tobe, presenting his work directly to the Emperor and Empress. He also created a complete tea ceremony set — including the tea caddy, tea scoop, and wind furnace — for the visit of Princess Takamatsu, and presented tea ceremony vessels to Princess Chichibu and Prince and Princess Mikasa. His work was further recognised with the Ehime Governor's Award for Excellence in Traditional Craft and commendation by the Ehime Prefectural Government on the occasion of the First Traditional Craft Promotion Day. Aesthetic & Tactile Details This chawan is covered in a soft, luminous white porcelain glaze suffused with dense kannyu — a network of fine crazing that spreads across the entire surface like frost on glass, or the delicate crackle of ancient ice. The kannyu of Tobe ware is among the most refined in Japanese ceramics: fine-grained, evenly distributed, and utterly natural in its formation — the result of the differential contraction between glaze and clay body during cooling, a phenomenon that continues to develop subtly over a lifetime of use. At the kodai and lower body, a warm hi-iro blush emerges where the iron in the clay shows through the glaze — a quiet, organic counterpoint to the cool white of the upper surface. The form is a classic wan-nari: generous, well-balanced, and designed to settle naturally in both hands, with a clean, confident lip and a carefully finished kodai that reveals the fine-grained porcelain body characteristic of Tobe. The interior carries the same luminous white glaze, creating an enveloping quality when the bowl is held for drinking. This is a chawan made for use — and the kannyu, which will deepen and colour gently with each bowl of tea, means that the relationship between this vessel and its owner has only just begun. Artist Profile Yamada Hakusui (山田白水, born 1914) — Hakusui-gama, Tobe Town, Ehime Prefecture Designated an Intangible Cultural Asset of Tobe Town for his mastery of Tobe ware porcelain, Yamada Hakusui is one of the most distinguished ceramic artists in the history of this 250-year tradition. Born in Tobe, he trained under successive masters of the Tobe tradition before establishing Hakusui-gama and dedicating his career to the refinement of the kannyu glaze and the wan-nari form that define the finest Tobe ware tea ceramics. His works were presented to the Imperial Household on multiple occasions, including a tea bowl for the Imperial Tea Ceremony during the Emperor and Empress's visit to Tobe, a complete tea ceremony set for Princess Takamatsu, and vessels for Princess Chichibu and Prince and Princess Mikasa. He received the Ehime Governor's Award for Excellence in Traditional Craft and was commended by the Ehime Prefectural Government on the occasion of the First Traditional Craft Promotion Day. This chawan is accompanied by its tomobako — the original wooden box inscribed and signed by the artist, bearing both the Hakusui-gama seal and the official Intangible Cultural Asset stamp. This stamp was not applied to all works; its presence on the tomobako of this piece distinguishes it as a formally certified example and makes it rarer among Hakusui's surviving works. Also included is a shiori bearing the artist's full ceramic lineage, imperial commissions, and awards record. 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. Height: 8.3 cm Diameter: 13.0 cm Weight: 302 g Total weight with tomobako: approx. 623 g Included: Tomobako (original artist-signed wooden box with Intangible Cultural Asset stamp) + Shiori (artist profile and awards record) 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. These fees are typically levied in the destination country and are the responsibility of the purchaser. Thank you for your understanding. Damage / Loss In the unlikely event that your item is damaged or lost during shipping, please retain all packaging materials and contact us immediately with photos of the product and box to file an insurance claim. Returns As all items are unique antiques or artworks, we do not accept returns unless the item received significantly differs from the description. In such cases, please contact us within 7 days of receipt. Product Descriptions & Images Every item is personally selected and described with meticulous attention to detail. We strive to represent each piece as accurately as possible through photographs and written descriptions. Please note that colors and textures may appear slightly different depending on your screen settings and lighting conditions. If you have any questions about a specific item, please feel free to contact us before placing a bid. About Our Shop Based in Tobe Town, Ehime Prefecture — the 250-year-old birthplace of Tobe ware — our shop was founded with a singular purpose: to bring the profound art of Japanese ceramics to collectors around the world. From masterpieces crafted by renowned artisans to one-of-a-kind expressions created in hidden workshops, we deliver carefully selected pieces that emphasize the quality and dignity of the work itself, rather than fame. From Tobe Town, a historic folk art town, we bring the true beauty of Japanese ceramics and its handed-down spirit straight to your home.