Chawan (2) - Ceramic - Japanese Tea Bowls





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Two Japanese studio pottery tea bowls, ceramic and dating to roughly 1960s–1990s, including one by Kato Shunji with its signed tomobako; bowls measure about Ø11×H7 cm and Ø12×H6.5 cm, feature natural glaze variations and decorative crackle, are in fair condition with minor wear and a small interior protrusion, and come with a wooden storage box that shows insect damage.
Description from the seller
Important – Please Read Before Bidding
For a smooth and secure transaction, please carefully review the following information before placing a bid.
⸻
● Import Taxes & Customs Duties
All customs duties, import taxes, and customs clearance fees are the responsibility of the buyer.
VAT paid on Catawiki is separate from local customs duties and import taxes.
Please check with your local customs office in advance.
⸻
■ Shipping & Packaging
All items are shipped from Japan via Japan Post EMS (insured).
If EMS is not available for your country, a private international courier will be used instead.
Items are carefully packed to withstand long-distance international shipping.
⸻
□ Tax Code Requirement (EU and certain regions)
After purchase, buyers may be required to provide a tax code (such as VAT number, fiscal code, etc.).
Failure to provide the required tax code may result in customs delays or return of the parcel.
⸻
◆ Damage & Shipping Issues
If the item arrives damaged, please contact your local post office and Catawiki Support within 3 days of delivery.
Before leaving feedback, please contact us first so we can assist you appropriately.
⸻
(Shipping to the United States)
Currently, EMS shipping to the United States is suspended.
A private international courier will be used instead.
Please note that items containing batteries or bladed tools may not be eligible for shipment.
⸻
All items are shipped from Japan.
This lot consists of a set of two studio pottery tea bowls created by different Japanese ceramic artists.
One of the bowls is a work by Japanese ceramic artist Kato Shunji, and is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako).
Both bowls feature natural glaze variations produced during the firing process, displaying subtle tonal transitions from earthy brown to muted tones. These characteristics reflect traditional Japanese ceramic aesthetics and are typical of handmade studio pottery.
The crackle-like patterns visible on the surface are decorative kannyu (intentional glaze crackle) created during the production process and are not defects or structural damage.
In addition, the Kato Shunji tea bowl has a slight indentation on the side. This feature is an intentional part of the artistic design and should not be considered damage.
Both bowls are glazed internally, making them suitable for practical use as tea ceremony utensils, while also serving as decorative objects.
The artist’s mark can be confirmed on the base of the Kato Shunji bowl.
⸻
Approximate Dimensions
Tea Bowl 1 (Kato Shunji)
Diameter: approx. 11 cm
Height: approx. 7 cm
Tea Bowl 2
Diameter: approx. 12 cm
Height: approx. 6.5 cm
Please allow for minor measurement discrepancies.
⸻
Condition
Minor surface wear and firing marks consistent with age and handmade production may be present, which are typical characteristics of studio pottery.
A small protrusion can be observed inside the Kato Shunji bowl, originating from the production process.
The accompanying wooden storage box shows signs of insect damage due to age.
No significant cracks or structural damage have been observed.
Please refer to the photographs for detailed condition.
Important – Please Read Before Bidding
For a smooth and secure transaction, please carefully review the following information before placing a bid.
⸻
● Import Taxes & Customs Duties
All customs duties, import taxes, and customs clearance fees are the responsibility of the buyer.
VAT paid on Catawiki is separate from local customs duties and import taxes.
Please check with your local customs office in advance.
⸻
■ Shipping & Packaging
All items are shipped from Japan via Japan Post EMS (insured).
If EMS is not available for your country, a private international courier will be used instead.
Items are carefully packed to withstand long-distance international shipping.
⸻
□ Tax Code Requirement (EU and certain regions)
After purchase, buyers may be required to provide a tax code (such as VAT number, fiscal code, etc.).
Failure to provide the required tax code may result in customs delays or return of the parcel.
⸻
◆ Damage & Shipping Issues
If the item arrives damaged, please contact your local post office and Catawiki Support within 3 days of delivery.
Before leaving feedback, please contact us first so we can assist you appropriately.
⸻
(Shipping to the United States)
Currently, EMS shipping to the United States is suspended.
A private international courier will be used instead.
Please note that items containing batteries or bladed tools may not be eligible for shipment.
⸻
All items are shipped from Japan.
This lot consists of a set of two studio pottery tea bowls created by different Japanese ceramic artists.
One of the bowls is a work by Japanese ceramic artist Kato Shunji, and is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako).
Both bowls feature natural glaze variations produced during the firing process, displaying subtle tonal transitions from earthy brown to muted tones. These characteristics reflect traditional Japanese ceramic aesthetics and are typical of handmade studio pottery.
The crackle-like patterns visible on the surface are decorative kannyu (intentional glaze crackle) created during the production process and are not defects or structural damage.
In addition, the Kato Shunji tea bowl has a slight indentation on the side. This feature is an intentional part of the artistic design and should not be considered damage.
Both bowls are glazed internally, making them suitable for practical use as tea ceremony utensils, while also serving as decorative objects.
The artist’s mark can be confirmed on the base of the Kato Shunji bowl.
⸻
Approximate Dimensions
Tea Bowl 1 (Kato Shunji)
Diameter: approx. 11 cm
Height: approx. 7 cm
Tea Bowl 2
Diameter: approx. 12 cm
Height: approx. 6.5 cm
Please allow for minor measurement discrepancies.
⸻
Condition
Minor surface wear and firing marks consistent with age and handmade production may be present, which are typical characteristics of studio pottery.
A small protrusion can be observed inside the Kato Shunji bowl, originating from the production process.
The accompanying wooden storage box shows signs of insect damage due to age.
No significant cracks or structural damage have been observed.
Please refer to the photographs for detailed condition.

