Asahi Ware Hakeme Tea Bowl — by Masuda Yushin, Later Known as Matsubayashi Hosai XVI of Asahiyaki, With Tomobako & Tomogire Historical Context Asahiyaki stands at the foot of Mount Asahi in Uji, Kyoto — directly across the Uji River from Byodoin Temple, in a region recognised as Japan's foremost centre of tea culture. The kiln was established approximately 400 years ago during the Keicho era, under the guidance of tea master Kobori Enshu. Enshu's aesthetic philosophy — kirei-sabi, the harmony of refinement and quiet restraint — has guided the kiln's production across every generation since. Hakeme belongs to this tradition. A brush loaded with white slip moves across the unfired clay body. The bristles separate under pressure. Each stroke records its own speed and weight. Where the brush lifts, the white thins. The clay beneath shows through. No two bowls carry the same surface. Aesthetic & Tactile Details White slip covers the bowl in broad, continuous strokes. The brush marks travel in overlapping horizontal bands — some dense and opaque, others opening to reveal the warm stoneware beneath. The surface holds movement. It does not resolve into stillness. The form is wan-nari: a soft, rounded profile that widens evenly toward the rim. No angle interrupts the rise from foot to lip. The rim is level and unhurried. At the kodai, the clay body emerges unglazed. Asahiyaki continues to use local Uji clay — known as hanshi — mined from the surrounding hills and passed down through generations. Tezumi The foot ring is trimmed with restraint. Where glaze meets raw clay, the transition is direct. The bowl sits low in the hand. The slip-covered wall transmits warmth quickly. Artist Profile This bowl was made under the working name Masuda Yushin — the pre-succession name of Matsubayashi Hosai XVI, the current sixteenth-generation head of Asahiyaki. Born in 1980 in Uji, Kyoto, Hosai XVI comes from a family with over 400 years of continuous history at the Asahiyaki kiln. He apprenticed under his father, the fifteenth-generation Hosai, and undertook a residency at the Leach Pottery in St. Ives, England — the studio founded by Bernard Leach — before assuming the title Hosai XVI in 2016. Spazio Nobile He received the two characters for "Asahi" from Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, which are stamped on his works. His work has been exhibited at the Guimet Museum of Oriental Art in Paris, and at major venues in London, Tokyo, and Kyoto. He holds full membership in the Japan Kogei Association (Nihon Kogeikai), the country's most prestigious body for traditional craft practitioners. This bowl is accompanied by a tomobako — a signed wooden storage box bearing the artist's calligraphy and seal — and a tomogire, a dedicated storage cloth bearing the artist's seal, together forming the complete provenance set. Condition & Specifications Condition: Excellent for age. No chips, cracks, or restoration. While this is a vintage piece, it shows no visible signs of use and retains its original appearance in outstanding condition. Diameter: 14.1 cm Height: 7.2 cm Weight: 280 g (bowl alone); 594 g including tomobako Accompanied by original tomobako (signed wooden storage box) and tomogire (storage cloth with artist's seal). Shipping Information This item is shipped via Japan Post EMS as our standard shipping method. Depending on the destination and logistics situation, we may use DHL or FedEx for the fastest and safest delivery. All items include a tracking number and insurance. Each item is carefully wrapped in protective cushioning materials and secured within a double-walled cardboard box to ensure safe international transit. Delivery Lead Time Normally takes approximately one week. Please note that delivery times may vary depending on the country, region, and customs procedures. Duties and Taxes Please note that import duties, taxes, and VAT are not included in the product price or shipping cost. These fees are typically levied in the destination country and are the responsibility of the purchaser. Thank you for your understanding. Damage / Loss In the unlikely event that your item is damaged or lost during shipping, please retain all packaging materials and contact us immediately with photos of the product and box to file an insurance claim. Returns As all items are unique antiques or artworks, we do not accept returns unless the item received significantly differs from the description. In such cases, please contact us within 7 days of receipt. Product Descriptions & Images Every item is personally selected and described with meticulous attention to detail. We strive to represent each piece as accurately as possible through photographs and written descriptions. Please note that colors and textures may appear slightly different depending on your screen settings and lighting conditions. If you have any questions about a specific item, please feel free to contact us before placing a bid. About Our Shop Based in Tobe Town, Ehime Prefecture — the 250-year-old birthplace of Tobe ware — our shop was founded with a singular purpose: to bring the profound art of Japanese ceramics to collectors around the world. From masterpieces crafted by renowned artisans to one-of-a-kind expressions created in hidden workshops, we deliver carefully selected pieces that emphasize the quality and dignity of the work itself, rather than fame. From Tobe Town, a historic folk art town, we bring the true beauty of Japanese ceramics and its handed-down spirit straight to your home.