An exceptional Japanese tea bowl from the historic tradition of Ohbori Soma Ware, masterfully crafted by Shosuke (Matsusuke Kiln) and accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako). This remarkable work immediately captivates with its luminous turquoise-blue glaze, a color rarely encountered in traditional Japanese tea ceramics. Soft, vibrant, and beautifully balanced, the glaze gives the bowl a contemporary visual appeal while remaining firmly rooted in centuries of Japanese ceramic craftsmanship. The bowl's most extraordinary feature is the meticulous hand-carving of the Heart Sutra (Hannya Shingyo) across its entire exterior. Rather than serving merely as decoration, the sacred Buddhist scripture is seamlessly integrated into the surface of the vessel. As light gently moves across the glaze, the delicately incised characters emerge with remarkable depth, creating a subtle interplay of texture, shadow, and color. The Heart Sutra is one of the most revered texts in Mahayana Buddhism and is closely associated with Zen practice. Its message of wisdom, emptiness, and enlightenment has inspired artists and monks for centuries. By engraving the complete scripture onto a tea bowl—an object central to the Japanese tea ceremony—the artist transforms an everyday vessel into a work of quiet spiritual contemplation. This tea bowl was created by Shosuke (Matsusuke Kiln), a respected potter of the historic Ohbori Soma Ware tradition of Fukushima Prefecture. Ohbori Soma Ware has a history spanning more than 350 years and is celebrated as one of Japan's distinguished ceramic traditions. While the kiln is widely known for preserving traditional techniques, works featuring finely carved Heart Sutra inscriptions beneath an elegant turquoise glaze are among its most distinctive artistic expressions. The gently undulating rim, slightly asymmetrical silhouette, and comfortable proportions reflect the aesthetics of hand-thrown Japanese tea bowls, inviting both visual appreciation and practical use during the tea ceremony. Every angle reveals subtle variations that celebrate the individuality of handmade pottery. Complete with its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako), this piece is equally suitable for collectors of Japanese ceramics, tea ceremony utensils, Buddhist art, and traditional craftsmanship. It is a tea bowl that beautifully unites artistry, spirituality, and centuries of ceramic heritage. Dimensions Diameter: 12.2 cm Height: 8.2 cm Weight: 400 g The tea bowl weighs approximately 400 g. Including the original wooden storage box and protective packing, the total shipping weight will be approximately 1.1 kg. The item will be carefully packed and shipped from Japan via EMS (Express Mail Service). I will include Catawiki's IOSS number on the shipping label and customs declaration whenever applicable. This helps prevent double taxation for buyers within the European Union. Import duties, VAT, customs charges and any local taxes not covered by IOSS remain the buyer's responsibility. Please check the tracking information regularly after shipment. Customs authorities or your local post office may contact you regarding customs clearance, taxes or delivery arrangements. **Please make sure to respond to them promptly. In some cases, the parcel may be held at your local post office without a delivery notice being left. Therefore, it is very important to monitor the tracking information regularly. Unfortunately, I cannot contact your local post office or arrange delivery on your behalf. If customs or your local post office contacts you, please respond without delay and arrange delivery or collection as soon as possible. If the parcel is returned because the buyer did not respond to customs inquiries, failed to collect the package, or ignored notifications from the local post office, **a refund cannot be guaranteed**, and the buyer may be responsible for the return shipping costs.