Shigaraki (信楽焼) - Tea bowl - Clay
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Shigaraki-yaki matcha bowl from Japan, dating to 1970–1980, crafted in clay with natural Bidoro ash glaze and fire color (Hiiro), unglazed, with a base stamp, weighing 300 g, H 7.5 cm, W 11.5 cm, includes original tomobako and historical leaflet.
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Description from the seller
Superb Shigaraki-yaki Matcha Bowl - Natural Ash Glaze (Bidoro) & Fire Color, Vintage Showa Era
This is an exceptional example of Shigaraki-yaki, one of Japan’s "Six Ancient Kilns" with a 1,200-year history. This unglazed tea bowl perfectly captures the essence of Wabi-sabi—the beauty found in the raw, rustic, and natural.
A Symphony of Fire and Clay:
The visual "scenery" (Keshiki) of this bowl is a result of intense wood-firing in a traditional kiln, where the earth and flames interact to create unpredictable beauty:
Hiiro (Scarlet Flash / Fire Color): The vibrant reddish-orange hues on the body are created by the iron-rich clay reacting to the fire. It symbolizes the energy of the kiln.
Natural Bidoro Glaze: The beautiful yellowish-green glassy drips on the surface are not artificial. They are "Bidoro" (natural ash glaze), formed when wood ash flies through the kiln and melts onto the clay at temperatures exceeding 1,200°C.
Ishihaze (Stone Explosion): Feldspar stones characteristic of Shigaraki clay emerge from the surface, providing a powerful, earthy texture that feels substantial in the hands.
Historical Context:
The included historical leaflet from a Shigaraki merchant, combined with the vintage telephone format on the document, indicates this piece was crafted during the 1970s–1980s. During this era, Shigaraki was producing some of its finest tea-related ceramics using high-quality local clay.
The bowl features a potter's mark (stamp) at the base, signifying it as a handcrafted work from a dedicated studio. Despite its rugged appearance, it is remarkably lightweight at 300g, showcasing the refined skill required to balance aesthetic power with practical use.
Dimensions: H 7.5 cm × W 11.5 cm (Foot diameter: 6.0 cm)
Weight: 300 g (Ideally balanced for the tea ceremony)
Condition: Excellent condition. No cracks, chips, or repairs.
Accessories: Original wooden storage box (Tomobako) and historical leaflet.
Shipping & Environment
Eco-Friendly Packaging:
In our commitment to environmental sustainability, we use recycled and repurposed packaging materials (such as boxes and cushioning) whenever possible. Rest assured, your item will be packed with the utmost care to ensure its safe arrival while minimizing our ecological footprint.
Courier:
The item will be shipped securely via DHL, FedEx, or Japan Post with a tracking number, depending on the destination and efficiency.
Note:
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Superb Shigaraki-yaki Matcha Bowl - Natural Ash Glaze (Bidoro) & Fire Color, Vintage Showa Era
This is an exceptional example of Shigaraki-yaki, one of Japan’s "Six Ancient Kilns" with a 1,200-year history. This unglazed tea bowl perfectly captures the essence of Wabi-sabi—the beauty found in the raw, rustic, and natural.
A Symphony of Fire and Clay:
The visual "scenery" (Keshiki) of this bowl is a result of intense wood-firing in a traditional kiln, where the earth and flames interact to create unpredictable beauty:
Hiiro (Scarlet Flash / Fire Color): The vibrant reddish-orange hues on the body are created by the iron-rich clay reacting to the fire. It symbolizes the energy of the kiln.
Natural Bidoro Glaze: The beautiful yellowish-green glassy drips on the surface are not artificial. They are "Bidoro" (natural ash glaze), formed when wood ash flies through the kiln and melts onto the clay at temperatures exceeding 1,200°C.
Ishihaze (Stone Explosion): Feldspar stones characteristic of Shigaraki clay emerge from the surface, providing a powerful, earthy texture that feels substantial in the hands.
Historical Context:
The included historical leaflet from a Shigaraki merchant, combined with the vintage telephone format on the document, indicates this piece was crafted during the 1970s–1980s. During this era, Shigaraki was producing some of its finest tea-related ceramics using high-quality local clay.
The bowl features a potter's mark (stamp) at the base, signifying it as a handcrafted work from a dedicated studio. Despite its rugged appearance, it is remarkably lightweight at 300g, showcasing the refined skill required to balance aesthetic power with practical use.
Dimensions: H 7.5 cm × W 11.5 cm (Foot diameter: 6.0 cm)
Weight: 300 g (Ideally balanced for the tea ceremony)
Condition: Excellent condition. No cracks, chips, or repairs.
Accessories: Original wooden storage box (Tomobako) and historical leaflet.
Shipping & Environment
Eco-Friendly Packaging:
In our commitment to environmental sustainability, we use recycled and repurposed packaging materials (such as boxes and cushioning) whenever possible. Rest assured, your item will be packed with the utmost care to ensure its safe arrival while minimizing our ecological footprint.
Courier:
The item will be shipped securely via DHL, FedEx, or Japan Post with a tracking number, depending on the destination and efficiency.
Note:
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Specific region of origin
Shigaraki, Shiga (信楽町、滋賀県甲賀郡)
Material
Clay
Manufacturer/brand
Shigaraki (信楽焼)
Country of origin
Japan
Condition
As new - unused
Height
7.5 cm
Width
11.5 cm
Diameter
11.5 cm
Estimated period
1970-1980
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