The bowl takes on a deep, cylindrical form, its surface covered in a thick, dark, lustrous glaze with gentle undulations. This is a kuro-raku (black raku) tsutsu-jawan (cylindrical tea bowl). The exterior and interior are largely enveloped in the black glaze, while the base and foot ring remain partially exposed, revealing the underlying clay. An impressed seal reading “Shoraku” (松楽) appears near the foot. It is accompanied by its original wooden tomobako (storage box), tied with a sanada-himo ribbon. The lid is inscribed “Kuro tsutsu-jawan” (Black cylindrical tea bowl) on the top, and “Heian Shoraku zo” (Made by Shoraku in Kyoto), together with a stamped seal on the underside. About Kuro Raku Chawan (Black Raku Tea Bowl): A Kuro Raku chawan is a tea bowl made in the Raku ceramic tradition and finished with a deep black glaze. It is one of the most iconic forms used in the Japanese tea ceremony. Raku ware originated in Kyoto in the 16th century and was closely associated with tea master Sen no Rikyū. Unlike wheel-thrown pottery, Raku tea bowls are typically hand-shaped, resulting in soft, organic forms and subtle variations in thickness and contour. The black glaze of Kuro Raku is rich in iron and fired at relatively low temperatures. The resulting surface has a deep, quiet luster that contrasts beautifully with the bright green color of matcha tea. Kuro Raku bowls are especially valued in tea practice for their tactile quality, balance in the hand, and understated aesthetic. Each piece is unique due to the hand-forming process and firing variations. Shipping / Policy: Carefully packaged and shipped from Japan by Japan Post or DHL with tracking. If you purchase multiple items, combined shipping is available. Please contact us if needed. Import duties, VAT (or equivalent consumption tax), and any other fees are the responsibility of the buyer. Please inspect the item upon arrival and contact us via Catawiki immediately if there is any issue. About the vintage ceramics we offer (please read before purchasing): We mainly offer 20th-century vintage Japanese ceramics. Due to their age and hand-crafted nature, each piece may show natural characteristics and variations such as glaze crackle (crazing), glaze irregularities, kiln marks, surface wear, and age-related patina. For this reason, we recommend these items primarily for display and collection. If you choose to use the item, please avoid sudden temperature changes and prolonged soaking, and do not use a dishwasher or microwave. Optional sealing/seasoning may be considered depending on your intended use. Guarantee: Our shop is a licensed antiques dealer in Japan. We guarantee the authenticity of this work.