Seto-yaki Glaze-Flow Tea Bowl (Yūnagare Chawan) with Original Box - Chawan - Porcelain

Please Note:
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Description:
This is a Seto-yaki tea bowl crafted in the glaze-flow style (Yūnagare Chawan), accompanied by its original storage box, which serves as both a sign of authenticity and an important element of provenance.

Seto-yaki (瀬戸焼): One of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, Seto ware originates from Seto City in Aichi Prefecture and has been active since the Kamakura period (13th century). Known for its wide variety of glazes and functional as well as artistic ceramics, Seto-yaki has historically supplied much of Japan’s everyday tableware and refined tea utensils. The hallmark of Seto ware is its innovation in glazes, ranging from iron-rich dark tones to vibrant ash effects.

Glaze-Flow Tea Bowl (釉流茶碗 / Yūnagare Chawan): This style is defined by the dramatic flow of molten glaze across the surface during firing. The dripping patterns create natural landscapes and abstract rhythms, making each piece entirely unique. In this bowl, the black ground is contrasted with golden ochre glaze rivulets, evoking mountain ranges or flowing rivers. The effect captures the Japanese aesthetic of spontaneity within controlled craft.

Authenticity: The presence of the original storage box confirms that the bowl is a genuine piece, intended for use in the tea ceremony and preserved with care. Collectors especially value such original boxing, as it enhances provenance and authenticity.

Expert’s Insight:
Seto-yaki glaze-flow bowls are celebrated for their unpredictably beautiful surfaces—each one is a dialogue between fire, glaze, and clay. This particular bowl, with its bold rivulets of gold running over deep black, exemplifies the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi: beauty found in irregularity and natural flow. Its presence in a tea gathering invites quiet contemplation of nature’s forces embodied in ceramic form.

Antique/Vintage Notice:
This is a vintage item. Please note that it may show natural signs of age, such as minor wear, slight discoloration, or subtle imperfections. These characteristics are part of its history and enhance its authenticity.

Shipping & Handling:
We ship worldwide from Japan using insured and trackable services. All items are professionally packed to ensure safe delivery. Import duties or customs fees are the buyer’s responsibility. Delivery may take time depending on your location. Feel free to reach out with any questions.