Buntai Sugiura - Chawan - Ceramic - Seto Ware Tea Bowl

Seto Ware Tea Bowl by Buntai Sugiura – Imperial Poetry Theme “Journey”

This is a Japanese Seto ware tea bowl by Buntai Sugiura of Togetsu-gama, created for the Imperial Poetry theme “Journey” (御題「旅」).

The bowl features a deep black glaze with a vivid blue band flowing around the lower body, complemented by elegant ivory-white lines resembling a flowing landscape or distant mountains. The strong contrast between the glossy black surface, brilliant blue, and light-colored decoration gives the bowl a sophisticated and distinctive appearance.

“Journey” was the theme of the 1985 Imperial New Year Poetry Reading (歌会始), and this tea bowl was created as part of the traditional series of tea bowls inspired by the annual theme. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="2"}

Features:
• Japanese Seto ware tea bowl by Buntai Sugiura
• Made at Togetsu-gama (兎月窯)
• Created for the 1985 Imperial Poetry theme “Journey” (御題「旅」)
• Deep black glazed surface with a rich glossy finish
• Striking vivid blue glaze flowing around the lower body
• Elegant ivory-white decorative lines across the black surface
• Landscape-like or flowing abstract design
• Strong contrast between black, blue, and ivory-white decoration
• Rounded, low-profile tea bowl form with a simple pale ceramic foot
• Artist's mark impressed on the underside
• Original wooden storage box (tomobako) with the artist's inscription and seal
• Original yellow cloth included
• Original information sheet describing the artist's history included

Dimensions:
• Diameter: approx. 11.5 cm
• Height: approx. 7.3 cm

Color:
Glossy black with vivid blue and ivory-white accents.

Accessories:
Original wooden storage box (tomobako), yellow cloth, and original artist information sheet.

Condition:
Used condition.
Overall, the item is in good and clean condition. However, as this is an older item, there may be small scratches, scuffs, stains, or other minor signs of age that are difficult to capture in photographs.
The glaze has natural variations in texture and gloss resulting from the ceramic production and firing process.
Please carefully review the photos for the detailed condition of the item.

About the Artist:
Buntai Sugiura (杉浦文泰) was a Japanese ceramic artist from Seto, Aichi Prefecture, working under the kiln name Togetsu-gama (兎月窯).

He was born in Seto in 1946. His career included tea-ceramic exhibitions at Tsubaki-Sanso in Tokyo in 1976, a solo exhibition at Ginza Mitsukoshi in 1982, and exhibitions at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi and the Nomura Art Museum in Kyoto in 1985. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="3"}

Sugiura is particularly associated with tea ceremony ceramics and produced a number of “G題” tea bowls based on the annual themes of the Imperial Poetry Reading. His works include tea bowls created for themes such as “Journey,” making them interesting pieces for collectors of Japanese tea ceremony ceramics and Seto ware. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="4"}

The artist's name and seal are clearly shown on the original wooden box, and a maker's mark is also present on the underside of the bowl.

【About Japan Antique】
One of the unique characteristics of Japanese pottery is that even pieces of the same shape can vary greatly in value depending on subtle differences in color, glaze, or pattern.

Each work is truly one of a kind, as the same design is never reproduced exactly. The value of Japanese ceramics is determined not only by the artist and its history, but also by how strongly a collector connects with the beauty and atmosphere of a particular piece.

This is one of the true joys of collecting Japanese antiques.

Generally, both the item and its original box are more desirable when preserved in clean condition. However, signs of age such as stains, wear, or changes in appearance can sometimes enhance the sense of history and add to the charm of an antique piece.

This is one of the unpredictable pleasures of collecting Japanese antiques.

Attention:
• Combined shipping is only available when the items are purchased at a reasonable price. Please first complete payment for one item, then contact me by message to discuss combined shipping.
• If the item is sold at an unreasonably low price, it will be shipped using the cheapest method available, and no shipping preferences will be accepted.
• Please carefully review the photos to confirm the item’s condition before placing a bid, and bid only if you are satisfied with what you see.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to accept returns or refunds for reasons such as a change of mind or if the item does not meet personal expectations.
• Please check your country's laws regarding import duties or taxes.
• We are not responsible for any costs incurred during importation into the buyer’s country.
• If the item is returned due to unpaid customs duties or incorrect/incomplete buyer information, all reshipping costs and handling fees will be the responsibility of the buyer.

Thank you for your understanding.