Jōmanji (Jōman-ji Temple) Carved-Text Tea Bowl (Chawan) - Chawan - Porcelain

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:
What is Jōmanji (Jōman-ji Temple)?
Jōmanji is the name of a temple associated with various regional schools of Japanese ceramic tradition. Works bearing the name often reflect a serene, literary aesthetic connected to temple culture, where poetry, Zen inscriptions, and carved characters play an important artistic role. This tea bowl follows that lineage, incorporating thoughtful text carving that evokes classical Japanese poetry and spirituality.

What is a Carved-Text Tea Bowl?
A carved-text tea bowl (moji-bori chawan) is a ceramic tea bowl decorated not with painted motifs but with hand-carved characters. These inscriptions—often waka poetry, Zen phrases, or seasonal references—become part of the bowl’s tactile surface. The carving adds rhythm, depth, and a rustic presence, making each piece unique.
This bowl features powerful, unrefined strokes carved directly into the clay surface, giving it a bold, earthy, and mature expression. The way the characters merge naturally with the clay body highlights the maker’s confidence and the wabi aesthetic admired in tea culture.

About the Kiln / Artist Attribution
The foot mark and calligraphic style show traits seen in temple-associated craft workshops active during the postwar Shōwa era. While the exact kiln or individual potter is not clearly documented, this bowl displays the characteristics of high-level traditional craftsmanship: balanced form, natural coloration, and expressive hand-carved script. It stands as a distinctive work rooted in tea culture rather than mass production.

Material & Aesthetic Highlights
Natural clay surface with warm, subdued tones.

Carved characters with rugged, masculine energy that emphasizes the bowl’s strength and presence.

Soft gradations in the clay color created during firing, enhancing the wabi-sabi atmosphere.

Ideal for collectors who appreciate literary or calligraphic elements in tea ceramics.

Expert’s Insight:
This carved-text tea bowl captures a rare combination of literary refinement and raw, earthy power. The inscriptions are carved with deliberate force, giving the surface a sculptural quality that invites touch and contemplation. Unlike painted decoration, carved text changes with light and angle, creating a dynamic visual experience during tea service.
Its restrained firing color, temple-related aesthetic, and bold calligraphy make this a striking piece for both functional tea use and artistic display.

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.