Item Description 市川染五郎（六代目）Ichikawa Somegoro (6th generation)（1942-） This exquisite chawan (matcha bowl) is a rare ceramic work featuring hand-painted decoration by the celebrated kabuki actor Ichikawa Somegoro (6th generation). The boldly brushed motif of a wind-swept pine tree (matsu) is rendered in rich iron-brown pigment against the characteristic cream-white ground of Oribe ware. In Japanese tradition, the pine is a timeless symbol of longevity and endurance — and for a kabuki actor, it carries yet another resonance: the pine tree is the sacred motif painted on the kagami-ita (mirror board) at the back of the Noh-style stage, most famously used in Kanjincho, the pinnacle of the kabuki repertoire in which the artist performed the role of Benkei over 1,500 times throughout his career. Whether or not this connection was intended, the image feels deeply personal. The upper portion of the bowl displays the vivid copper-green glaze that defines the Oribe aesthetic, with natural kannyu (crackle lines) adding depth and beauty throughout the surface. The form is organic and slightly irregular in the spirit of wabi-cha, with a gently undulating rim. An artist's impressed seal is visible on the underside of the foot ring. This bowl represents a rare intersection of two great Japanese cultural traditions — kabuki performing arts and the meditative art of chado (the Way of Tea) — and is a highly collectible object. Size Height: 8.5 cm Width: 12 cm (diameter) Weight 338 g Condition The bowl is in good overall condition with no chips or cracks; minor glaze variations are inherent to the Oribe firing process and characteristic of this handcrafted ceramic tradition. Artist Profile 市川染五郎（六代目）Ichikawa Somegoro (6th generation)（1942-） Born in Tokyo in 1942 as the eldest son of Matsumoto Koshiro (8th generation), one of the most distinguished kabuki families in Japan. He made his stage debut in 1949 and later succeeded to the prestigious name Ichikawa Somegoro (6th generation). A towering figure in Japanese performing arts, he became the first Japanese actor to perform the lead role in Man of La Mancha on Broadway in English (1970), earning international acclaim. He starred in the NHK historical drama Kogane no Hibi (1978) and performed the role of Benkei in Kanjincho over 1,500 times throughout his career. A recipient of Japan's highest cultural honors, he also pursued ceramic art as a personal creative expression, producing hand-painted tea wares that reflect his profound immersion in classical Japanese culture. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shipping & Important Notice [Shipping] Your item will be carefully packaged and shipped from Japan via Japan Post, DHL, or FedEx with a tracking number. Please note that due to the current situation in the Middle East, some international flights and shipping routes are being rerouted. As a result, delivery may take longer than usual (approximately 3 weeks or more). We appreciate your patience as we prioritize the safest and most reliable route for your package. [Customs and Duties] Import duties, taxes, and VAT are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility and vary by country. Please check with your local customs office for details. [Important: Delivery Contact] Customs or the delivery courier in your country may contact you via phone or email for clearance. Please ensure you are available to respond to their inquiries. Note: If a parcel is returned due to a lack of contact, the buyer will be responsible for all additional costs, including return shipping and reshipping fees (which can be significantly higher than the original cost). I truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Bid with confidence!