Chawan - Terracotta, Ceramic, Porcelain





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This Japanese chawan tea bowl, dating to 1960–1970, is glazed ceramic with an interlaced red, gold and white thread design, measures 12 cm in diameter and 7.5 cm high, and comes with its original box.
Description from the seller
Japanese Chawan Tea Bowl – Decor of red and gold intertwined threads – Theme “Ito” – Shōwa era – Original box
Description
Magnificent traditional Japanese tea bowl (chawan), intended for the tea ceremony (chanoyu), in crème-colored glazed ceramic, accompanied by its original old box.
The bowl features an elegant rounded form, resting on a traditional circular foot (kōdai).
Its exterior surface is adorned with delicate motifs of intertwined threads, made up of fine red, gold, and white curved lines.
These fluid, harmonious lines evoke silk threads and traditional Japanese decorative cords.
The contrast between the beige-cream background and the colorful motifs gives this piece great elegance.
The upper rim is delicately outlined with a fine gold edge.
The interior presents a pale beige glaze with soft nuances.
The glazed surface shows fine natural glaze crazing, without structural cracks.
Inscription and details
The original box bears a Japanese inscription seemingly referring to an imperial theme (chokudai) and to the motif “Ito” (thread).
In Japanese tradition, some tea bowls are made with reference to annual poetic themes associated with the imperial New Year ceremony, called Utakai Hajime.
The intertwined thread decor could thus illustrate this poetic theme.
A potter’s mark is visible near the foot of the bowl. Its exact attribution remains to be determined.
The interior of the box also preserves an old Japanese label mentioning an address in Osaka.
Origin and dating
- Country of origin: Japan
- Type: traditional Japanese tea bowl (chawan)
- Material: glazed ceramic
- Decoration: red, gold, and white interwoven threads
- Estimated era: Shōwa (1926–1989)
- Mark: stamp present near the foot, unidentified
- Original old box included
Dimensions
Bowl:
- Diameter: 12 cm
- Height: 7.5 cm
Box:
- 13.2 × 13.2 × 9 cm
Condition
Excellent condition.
The bowl shows no cracks, chips, or breaks.
The glaze shows fine superficial natural crazing, with no impact on the piece’s integrity.
The decoration and the gold edge are well preserved.
The old box shows some signs of aging, notably on its coating and labels.
Photographs are an integral part of the description.
Artistic and cultural interest
This chawan illustrates the elegance of traditional Japanese ceramics, combining a classic form with a refined decoration inspired by intertwined threads.
The presence of its original box, its Japanese inscription, and a potter’s mark adds particular interest for collectors.
A very beautiful piece for lovers of the tea ceremony, Japanese ceramics, and traditional Japanese objects.
Japanese Chawan Tea Bowl – Decor of red and gold intertwined threads – Theme “Ito” – Shōwa era – Original box
Description
Magnificent traditional Japanese tea bowl (chawan), intended for the tea ceremony (chanoyu), in crème-colored glazed ceramic, accompanied by its original old box.
The bowl features an elegant rounded form, resting on a traditional circular foot (kōdai).
Its exterior surface is adorned with delicate motifs of intertwined threads, made up of fine red, gold, and white curved lines.
These fluid, harmonious lines evoke silk threads and traditional Japanese decorative cords.
The contrast between the beige-cream background and the colorful motifs gives this piece great elegance.
The upper rim is delicately outlined with a fine gold edge.
The interior presents a pale beige glaze with soft nuances.
The glazed surface shows fine natural glaze crazing, without structural cracks.
Inscription and details
The original box bears a Japanese inscription seemingly referring to an imperial theme (chokudai) and to the motif “Ito” (thread).
In Japanese tradition, some tea bowls are made with reference to annual poetic themes associated with the imperial New Year ceremony, called Utakai Hajime.
The intertwined thread decor could thus illustrate this poetic theme.
A potter’s mark is visible near the foot of the bowl. Its exact attribution remains to be determined.
The interior of the box also preserves an old Japanese label mentioning an address in Osaka.
Origin and dating
- Country of origin: Japan
- Type: traditional Japanese tea bowl (chawan)
- Material: glazed ceramic
- Decoration: red, gold, and white interwoven threads
- Estimated era: Shōwa (1926–1989)
- Mark: stamp present near the foot, unidentified
- Original old box included
Dimensions
Bowl:
- Diameter: 12 cm
- Height: 7.5 cm
Box:
- 13.2 × 13.2 × 9 cm
Condition
Excellent condition.
The bowl shows no cracks, chips, or breaks.
The glaze shows fine superficial natural crazing, with no impact on the piece’s integrity.
The decoration and the gold edge are well preserved.
The old box shows some signs of aging, notably on its coating and labels.
Photographs are an integral part of the description.
Artistic and cultural interest
This chawan illustrates the elegance of traditional Japanese ceramics, combining a classic form with a refined decoration inspired by intertwined threads.
The presence of its original box, its Japanese inscription, and a potter’s mark adds particular interest for collectors.
A very beautiful piece for lovers of the tea ceremony, Japanese ceramics, and traditional Japanese objects.

