Chawan (2) - Ceramic - Japanese Tea Bowl Set

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Japanese Narudai Tea Bowls, Set of Two – Gold & Silver Interior Glaze – With Original Tomobako – Showa Period

This set consists of two Japanese Narudai (鳴台) tea bowls, made in Japan during the Showa period.
Each bowl features a contrasting interior finish—one with a gold-glazed interior and the other with a silver-glazed interior—while the exterior is covered in a subdued iron-based glaze, creating a refined and harmonious pairing.

The gold and silver interiors reflect light beautifully, producing rich visual depth and making these bowls especially appreciated in the tea ceremony as accent pieces.
Natural kiln effects can be seen on the exterior surfaces, conveying the warmth, strength, and individuality of hand-crafted Japanese ceramics.

The fine crackle patterns (crazing) visible in the glaze are the result of the firing process and are an intentional decorative feature, traditionally valued in Japanese ceramic aesthetics.
Likewise, the bowls are not perfectly symmetrical; this subtle irregularity is a deliberate expression of Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetics, which finds beauty in imperfection and asymmetry. These characteristics should not be regarded as defects.

The set is accompanied by its original wooden storage box (tomobako).
The box inscription identifies the piece as “Narudai Tea Bowls”, and the artist’s name Sasaki Shōraku (佐々木松楽) is confirmed on the box.
This is a well-balanced pair combining practical usability with strong collectible appeal as Showa-period tea ceramics.

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Details
• Type: Tea bowls (set of two)
• Technique: Glazed ceramic (gold-glazed interior / silver-glazed interior)
• Material: Ceramic
• Country of origin: Japan
• Period: Showa period (mid-20th century)
• Accessories: Original tomobako (wooden box with inscription and cord)
• Artist: Sasaki Shōraku (as indicated on the box)

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Dimensions (approx.)

Gold Tea Bowl
• Diameter: approx. 14 cm
• Height: approx. 7 cm

Silver Tea Bowl
• Diameter: approx. 17 cm
• Height: approx. 7 cm

Please note: As these are hand-crafted works, slight individual variations are present.

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Condition
• Overall very good vintage condition
• Fine glaze crackle (crazing) is intentional and part of the design
• Asymmetrical form reflects wabi-sabi aesthetics and is not a defect
• No visible cracks, chips, or repairs
• The wooden box shows age-related wear and discoloration

Please refer to the photos for detailed condition.

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Notes
• A fine example of Showa-period tea ceramics embodying Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy
• Ideal for tea ceremony utensils, Japanese art collections, or decorative display
• Will be carefully packed for safe shipment