Product Description ● Shigaraki Ware, Takahashi Rakusai Sencha Tea Set, with Original Box, Teapot, Water Cooler, and 5 Teacups. This is a sencha tea set by Takahashi Rakusai, a renowned master craftsman representing Shigaraki ware. The box bears the "Rakusai" inscription, and the bottom of each piece features Rakusai's distinctive engraved "ra" mark. The set includes a "hohin" (teapot) for brewing high-grade tea, a "yuzamashi" (water cooler), and five teacups. The rough clay surface, characteristic of Shigaraki ware, beautifully displays "ishihaze" (stone cracklings caused by feldspar bursting during firing) and natural charring, showcasing the rustic charm of Shigaraki. The warmth of the clay itself, achieved by firing without glaze, develops a moist and lustrous appearance as it absorbs tea stains with use. ●Accessories Original box 【Size】 ●Teapot / Diameter 12.5cm, Height 8cm ●Water Cooler / Diameter 10cm, Height 5cm ●Tea Bowl / Diameter 7.5cm, Height 4.5cm ●Weight: 1943g (Total weight) ●Material: Porcelain ●Condition Main body and box: Generally good condition Please check the photos. 【Profile】 ●Takahashi Rakusai III Born November 10, 1898 in Koyama, Shigaraki-cho. Studied at the Kyoto Ceramic Training Institute in 1915. Engaged in pottery production in Shigaraki in 1916. Inherited the name Rakusai in 1917. Received a special prize at the Kinki Craft Exhibition and a ministerial award at the Japan Crafts Association Exhibition in 1940. Received certification as a Shigaraki ware technique preserver from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 1941. 1958: Received the Grand Prix in the ceramics category at the Brussels World's Fair. 1959: Selected and awarded prizes at the Contemporary Japanese Ceramics Exhibition. 1960: Selected for both the same exhibition and the Nitten Exhibition. 1964: Certified as a holder of Shigaraki ware techniques, a designated intangible cultural property of Shiga Prefecture. 1971: Received the award of Best Skilled Craftsman (Contemporary Master Craftsman) from the Minister of Labor. 1973: Held a solo exhibition in Los Angeles, USA. Received a letter of appreciation from the mayor of the city. *The handwritten "ra"-like engraved mark on the bottom of this piece is a distinctive signature that the third generation added to his works (especially tea ceremony utensils).