Ogawa Kinji - Tea bowl - Clay

Irabo Tetsue Chawan 伊羅保鉄絵茶碗（いらぼてつえちゃわん）｜Ogawa Kinji 小川欣二（おがわきんじ）

This tea bowl is a type of Goryeo tea bowl produced on the Korean Peninsula, known as an Irabo chawan.
Its defining characteristic lies in the coarse clay body, in which grains of sand create a distinctly rough and gritty texture, often described as an “iraira” tactile quality.
From the Momoyama period to the early Edo period, Japanese tea practitioners are believed to have commissioned such bowls as custom-made “ordered tea bowls,” and their rustic yet powerful appearance came to be highly valued within the context of wabi-cha.

This work is classified as Kugibori Irabo.
Fine, distinctive incised lines resembling nail-carved marks can be observed across the surface, forming a unique rhythm and landscape.
In addition, the vigorous iron-painted decoration serves as a strong accent, giving the bowl an expressive and individual presence.

The artist Ogawa Kinji, born in 1926, was affiliated with one of Japan’s largest art and craft organizations and worked primarily within the traditions of Kyo-yaki (Kyoto ware).
Alongside refined works, he also produced many rustic pieces such as Irabo and Kiseto, emphasizing the natural character of clay and surface.
This piece dates from the 1970s–1980s and represents a mature example of his ceramic expression.

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Artist Profile
1926
Born in Japan.

Affiliated with one of Japan’s largest art and craft organizations.
Worked mainly using traditional techniques of Kyo-yaki (Kyoto ware).
Left numerous works in rustic styles such as Irabo and Kiseto.

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Accessories
Original wooden storage box (tomobako).

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Dimensions & Weight
Height 9 cm.
Diameter 12 cm.
Weight 348 g.

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Technique & Condition
Material: Ceramic clay, iron glaze.
Technique: Pottery.
Estimated period: 1970–1980.
Condition: Excellent condition.

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Shipping
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