“Moonlit Serenity” – Nishide Kiln Red Raku Tea Bowl with Crescent Moon Motif - 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 the Nishide Kiln?
The Nishide Kiln (Nishide-gama) is a respected Raku kiln known for its atmospheric, quietly expressive tea bowls rooted in the wabi-sabi philosophy.
Located in Japan’s traditional ceramic region, the kiln specializes in hand-crafted Raku ware, emphasizing natural textures, soft forms, and spontaneous kiln effects.
Nishide pieces are appreciated by tea practitioners and collectors alike for their harmony, warmth, and intimate charm—qualities highly valued in European connoisseurship.

• What is “Tsukimon” (Moon Motif)?
The crescent moon is a poetic symbol deeply woven into Japanese aesthetics. It represents impermanence, solitude, and quiet beauty—key aspects of the Japanese worldview.
Tea bowls with moon motifs are often used for autumn tea gatherings, invoking classical waka poetry and night landscapes.
The hand-painted white crescent on this bowl floats serenely across a dark sky-like glaze, offering an immediate emotional connection that resonates strongly with European admirers of minimalism and poetic imagery.

• What is Red Raku (Aka-Raku)?
Red Raku is one of the two classic Raku traditions originating from the 16th century, closely associated with Sen no Rikyū and the philosophy of wabi-cha.

Aka-Raku is known for:

Its warm reddish body

Soft, porous clay texture

Gentle and personal feel in the hands

Spontaneous firing marks that reflect the intimate dialogue between clay and flame

This tea bowl displays a vivid yet subtle red rim and foot, contrasted with a dreamy dark glaze—an excellent contemporary interpretation of Red Raku tradition.

• About This Tea Bowl (1980s–2000s)
This piece beautifully merges atmospheric glazing with poetic imagery. The juxtaposition of a velvety black night-sky surface and the luminous crescent moon creates a meditative presence.
The bowl’s soft form, tactile clay body, and natural irregularities perfectly embody the wabi-sabi spirit—cherishing imperfection, transience, and quiet elegance.
A deeply contemplative bowl suitable both for tea practice and for display in modern European interiors.

• Condition
Excellent condition. No chips, cracks, or repairs.
The base bears the kiln’s impressed seal.

Expert’s Insight:
Wabi-sabi aesthetics hold strong appeal for European collectors seeking authenticity and emotional depth. This bowl delivers precisely that: an intimate, hand-formed vessel that communicates quiet beauty rather than loud perfection.
The moon motif amplifies the poetic character of the piece, making it ideal for collectors who appreciate ceramics as both functional objects and artistic expressions.
Within contemporary Raku, such atmospheric glazes paired with traditional red Raku clay represent a desirable balance between innovation and heritage.

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.