Bowl - Ceramic - Raku ware, calligraphy
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€ 4
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Selected by Marion Oliviero
Holds a master's in Chinese archaeology with extensive expertise in Japanese art.
Estimate € 180 - € 220
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Raku ware tea bowl from Japan dating to the 1950s–1960s, ceramic with a warm ivory glaze and black exterior calligraphy, base impressed with the character “楽,” diameter about 14.5 cm, height 6.3 cm, weight 550 g, in good used condition with minor signs of ageing.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Description:
This is a Raku ware (raku-yaki) tea bowl, and the “楽” mark impressed on the base is the most characteristic identifying feature of the Raku tradition.
The bowl has a low, open profile with a gently flaring rim and a small, well-defined foot, proportions that are typical of Raku tea bowls and designed to emphasize how the piece feels in the hands rather than strict symmetry. The body is relatively thick, with weight gathered toward the base, giving it a calm, grounded presence when held.
The glaze is a warm, pale ivory to light beige tone, covered with fine, evenly distributed crazing (crackle) across the surface. This is a hallmark of Raku ware, resulting from low-temperature firing and rapid cooling. The glaze has a soft, subdued sheen rather than a high gloss, aligning closely with the tea aesthetic of wabi-sabi. Inside the bowl, subtle throwing rings and gentle variations in glaze thickness remain visible, reinforcing its hand-formed character.
Around the exterior, bold black calligraphy is brushed freely over the light ground. The strokes are confident and expressive, varying in thickness and pressure, creating a strong rhythmic contrast with the quiet, earthy glaze. This combination of calligraphy and tea ceramics is especially common in modern and contemporary Raku works, where traditional forms are paired with personal artistic expression.
On the base, in addition to the impressed “楽” mark, there are handwritten numbers and notes, likely related to the artist’s records, firing date, or workshop inventory, further emphasizing that this is an individually made piece rather than a mass-produced object.
NOTICE
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post depends on the situation.
It takes about 3～4 weeks to receive normally.Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone.
Appreciate your cooperation.
Description:
This is a Raku ware (raku-yaki) tea bowl, and the “楽” mark impressed on the base is the most characteristic identifying feature of the Raku tradition.
The bowl has a low, open profile with a gently flaring rim and a small, well-defined foot, proportions that are typical of Raku tea bowls and designed to emphasize how the piece feels in the hands rather than strict symmetry. The body is relatively thick, with weight gathered toward the base, giving it a calm, grounded presence when held.
The glaze is a warm, pale ivory to light beige tone, covered with fine, evenly distributed crazing (crackle) across the surface. This is a hallmark of Raku ware, resulting from low-temperature firing and rapid cooling. The glaze has a soft, subdued sheen rather than a high gloss, aligning closely with the tea aesthetic of wabi-sabi. Inside the bowl, subtle throwing rings and gentle variations in glaze thickness remain visible, reinforcing its hand-formed character.
Around the exterior, bold black calligraphy is brushed freely over the light ground. The strokes are confident and expressive, varying in thickness and pressure, creating a strong rhythmic contrast with the quiet, earthy glaze. This combination of calligraphy and tea ceramics is especially common in modern and contemporary Raku works, where traditional forms are paired with personal artistic expression.
On the base, in addition to the impressed “楽” mark, there are handwritten numbers and notes, likely related to the artist’s records, firing date, or workshop inventory, further emphasizing that this is an individually made piece rather than a mass-produced object.
NOTICE
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post depends on the situation.
It takes about 3～4 weeks to receive normally.Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone.
Appreciate your cooperation.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Weight
550 g
Title additional information
Raku ware, calligraphy
No. of items
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
Ceramic
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
Height
6.3 cm
Width
14.5 cm
Depth
14.5 cm
Estimated Period
1950-1960
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