Red Raku “Yohen” Chawan (Tea Bowl) – Kyo-yaki, with Original Signed Wooden Box - Chawan - Porcelain
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A vintage Red Raku "Yohen" chawan (Kyō-yaki tea bowl) from Japan, 7 cm high and 11 cm wide, with its original signed wooden box, featuring a gray-white glaze transitioning to reddish tones and a gold kintsugi repair.
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Description from the seller
Please Note:
I usually ship within 24 hours after payment. However, payments made on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday will be shipped on Monday since the post office is closed on weekends. Tracking updates on Catawiki may take some time to appear. Shipping costs include insurance but not customs duties. Import taxes or customs fees may apply depending on your country, and I cannot influence or adjust them. If you disagree with the customs charges, please contact your local customs office directly. As this item ships from Japan, delivery may take longer than usual.
Description:
A refined Red Raku “Yohen” Chawan (Tea Bowl) from Kyo-yaki (Kyoto ware), accompanied by its original signed wooden box (tomobako). The bowl displays a captivating surface of soft gray-white glaze merging into reddish tones, revealing the unique transformation of colors that occur naturally in the kiln firing process.
This piece also bears a beautifully executed kintsugi repair (金継ぎ) — a traditional Japanese restoration method using lacquer and gold. The repair highlights the bowl’s individuality and deepens its wabi-sabi aesthetic, celebrating imperfection and the passage of time rather than concealing it. Each repaired area enhances its quiet dignity, making it truly one of a kind in the world.
About Kyo-yaki (京焼):
Kyo-yaki refers to pottery produced in Kyoto, Japan’s historical and cultural capital. Originating in the early Edo period (17th century), it is known for its elegant forms, sophisticated glazing, and refined aesthetic that reflect Kyoto’s artistic traditions. Unlike regional wares fired in large kilns, Kyo-yaki often emphasizes individual craftsmanship and delicate expression, resulting in pieces that are both artistic and contemplative.
About Red Raku (赤楽) and “Yohen” (窯変):
Red Raku is a traditional Japanese ware fired at low temperature and removed from the kiln while still glowing hot — a hallmark of the Raku family tradition closely linked to the tea ceremony. The term “Yohen” (窯変) literally means “kiln transformation” and refers to the spontaneous, unpredictable color and texture changes that occur during firing. Each Yohen piece is entirely unique, as subtle variations in flame, temperature, and atmosphere create unrepeatable effects.
The interplay of ash, flame, and glaze on this bowl has produced a natural transition from red to gray and white, embodying the living essence of fire itself.
About Kintsugi (金継ぎ):
The visible repair using lacquer and gold is not a flaw but an artistic statement of resilience and beauty through imperfection. Rooted in Zen philosophy, kintsugi represents renewal and respect for history. The shimmering gold line adds character and depth, creating a poetic balance between fragility and strength — a visual metaphor for life’s transience and grace.
Estimated Period:
Likely produced in the late Showa to early Heisei period (circa 1970s–1990s). The glaze tone, foot style, and signature are consistent with Kyoto Raku ware of that era, while the craftsmanship and box inscription indicate an accomplished contemporary potter continuing the Raku lineage.
Expert’s Insight:
This chawan beautifully unites the spirit of Kyo-yaki refinement, Raku warmth, and wabi-sabi philosophy. The Yohen glaze’s natural gradation and the poetic kintsugi repair together express the Japanese aesthetic of “beauty in imperfection.” Under soft light, the surface reveals shifting hues — quiet yet profound. The bowl’s presence is meditative, making it not only an object for tea but also a vessel for contemplation.
Antique/Vintage Notice:
This is a vintage item. Please note that it may show natural signs of age, such as minor wear, slight discoloration, or subtle imperfections. These characteristics are part of its history and enhance its authenticity.
Shipping & Handling:
We ship worldwide from Japan using insured and trackable services. All items are professionally packed to ensure safe delivery. Import duties or customs fees are the buyer’s responsibility. Delivery may take time depending on your location. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Please Note:
I usually ship within 24 hours after payment. However, payments made on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday will be shipped on Monday since the post office is closed on weekends. Tracking updates on Catawiki may take some time to appear. Shipping costs include insurance but not customs duties. Import taxes or customs fees may apply depending on your country, and I cannot influence or adjust them. If you disagree with the customs charges, please contact your local customs office directly. As this item ships from Japan, delivery may take longer than usual.
Description:
A refined Red Raku “Yohen” Chawan (Tea Bowl) from Kyo-yaki (Kyoto ware), accompanied by its original signed wooden box (tomobako). The bowl displays a captivating surface of soft gray-white glaze merging into reddish tones, revealing the unique transformation of colors that occur naturally in the kiln firing process.
This piece also bears a beautifully executed kintsugi repair (金継ぎ) — a traditional Japanese restoration method using lacquer and gold. The repair highlights the bowl’s individuality and deepens its wabi-sabi aesthetic, celebrating imperfection and the passage of time rather than concealing it. Each repaired area enhances its quiet dignity, making it truly one of a kind in the world.
About Kyo-yaki (京焼):
Kyo-yaki refers to pottery produced in Kyoto, Japan’s historical and cultural capital. Originating in the early Edo period (17th century), it is known for its elegant forms, sophisticated glazing, and refined aesthetic that reflect Kyoto’s artistic traditions. Unlike regional wares fired in large kilns, Kyo-yaki often emphasizes individual craftsmanship and delicate expression, resulting in pieces that are both artistic and contemplative.
About Red Raku (赤楽) and “Yohen” (窯変):
Red Raku is a traditional Japanese ware fired at low temperature and removed from the kiln while still glowing hot — a hallmark of the Raku family tradition closely linked to the tea ceremony. The term “Yohen” (窯変) literally means “kiln transformation” and refers to the spontaneous, unpredictable color and texture changes that occur during firing. Each Yohen piece is entirely unique, as subtle variations in flame, temperature, and atmosphere create unrepeatable effects.
The interplay of ash, flame, and glaze on this bowl has produced a natural transition from red to gray and white, embodying the living essence of fire itself.
About Kintsugi (金継ぎ):
The visible repair using lacquer and gold is not a flaw but an artistic statement of resilience and beauty through imperfection. Rooted in Zen philosophy, kintsugi represents renewal and respect for history. The shimmering gold line adds character and depth, creating a poetic balance between fragility and strength — a visual metaphor for life’s transience and grace.
Estimated Period:
Likely produced in the late Showa to early Heisei period (circa 1970s–1990s). The glaze tone, foot style, and signature are consistent with Kyoto Raku ware of that era, while the craftsmanship and box inscription indicate an accomplished contemporary potter continuing the Raku lineage.
Expert’s Insight:
This chawan beautifully unites the spirit of Kyo-yaki refinement, Raku warmth, and wabi-sabi philosophy. The Yohen glaze’s natural gradation and the poetic kintsugi repair together express the Japanese aesthetic of “beauty in imperfection.” Under soft light, the surface reveals shifting hues — quiet yet profound. The bowl’s presence is meditative, making it not only an object for tea but also a vessel for contemplation.
Antique/Vintage Notice:
This is a vintage item. Please note that it may show natural signs of age, such as minor wear, slight discoloration, or subtle imperfections. These characteristics are part of its history and enhance its authenticity.
Shipping & Handling:
We ship worldwide from Japan using insured and trackable services. All items are professionally packed to ensure safe delivery. Import duties or customs fees are the buyer’s responsibility. Delivery may take time depending on your location. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Details
Era
1900-2000
No. of items
1
Material
Porcelain
Country of Origin
Japan
Designer/Artist/Maker
Red Raku “Yohen” Chawan (Tea Bowl) – Kyo-yaki, with Original Signed Wooden Box
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
7 cm
Width
11 cm
Estimated Period
1970-1980, 1980-1990
