Suizenji Izu - Kōji (幸治) - Chawan - Stoneware - Bird Matcha Chawan

Title: Wood-Fired Kohiki Underglaze Blue Bird Chawan, Japan, With Tomobako Box
Kiln Lineage: Suizenji Izu, Wood-Fired Kohiki-yaki (薪窯粉引焼)
Maker: Kōji (幸治)
Dim.: H 7.5 × Dia. 11.8 cm (2.95 × 4.65 in)
Weight: 308 g
Paulownia Tomobako Dim.: H 11.8 × W 16.3 × D 16.3 cm (4.65 × 6.42 × 6.42 in)
Material: Izu stoneware body, kohiki slip crackle glaze, underglaze blue pattern decoration
Period: Late Showa to Early Heisei, circa 1990–2000

This matcha chawan was hand-shaped and wood-fired by potter Kōji (幸治) at Suikō Kiln, Suizenji Izu, inscribed with the Yanabashi (柳橋) mark.

Kohiki-yaki (粉引焼) is a classic wabi-sabi ceramic style for Japanese tea ceremony. This piece adopts the traditional open wood-fired kiln craft without protective saggers. Pine fire ash melts and adheres to the glaze during firing, creating one-of-a-kind natural kiln effects that can never be replicated. This firing method is highly regarded by tea connoisseurs as a premium traditional craft.

Potter Kōji (幸治) has long produced tea wares in Suizenji Izu, focusing on traditional open wood-fired kohiki ceramics with minimalist freehand motifs made exclusively for matcha tea practice. One side of the bowl features a loose, ethereal underglaze blue sketch of a wild bird; the reverse bears handwritten ink text “Made at Suikō, Suizenji (於修善寺 翠光生)” to record its kiln origin. In Japanese tea aesthetics, wild birds symbolize peace, freedom and good fortune, ideal for daily matcha preparation and tea room display.

Hand-shaped with an organic unpolished silhouette embodying wabi-sabi taste, the vessel is fully coated with soft off-white kohiki slip glaze covered in fine natural crackle. The interior wall is scattered with dark brown pine ash speckles of varying sizes. These marks form naturally when pine ash fuses with glaze during open wood firing; they are inherent kiln features rather than dirt or post-production damage, and are the signature hallmark of wood-fired pottery.

The complete set includes the original paulownia tomobako storage box, yellow silk cloth and bamboo chasen (茶筅，traditional whisk for matcha stirring). The box lid is brush-inscribed “Yanabashi (柳橋) Chawan (茶盌)”, signed and sealed by maker Kōji (幸治). The box inscription, potter’s signature and vessel match perfectly, forming an authentic intact collectible set.

The natural firing ash speckles inside the bowl and glaze crackles are original kiln characteristics formed during production. There are no chips, cracks or repairs anywhere on the piece. Overall condition: Good.

Shipping Notice
Due to service adjustments, Taiwan Post EMS will suspend parcel deliveries to the following countries effective March 10, 2026:
United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Israel, Pakistan, Maldives, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Greece, Egypt, Morocco.
Bidders located in the above regions are kindly requested not to place bids.

Note: Delivery to Italy takes approximately 6–7 days.
Customs or the courier may contact you for customs clearance. Kindly reply promptly, as delays may result in the package being returned.
Contacting them directly can help speed up the process:
dogane.malpensa.urp@agenziadogane.it
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

- The picture is part of the description. The color of the item may be slightly different from the picture (due to camera and screen settings).
- The successful bidder will be responsible for any customs duties and taxes (if applicable).
- This item will be mailed by the postal service of Taiwan in the form of airmail with insurance attached.