Temmoku Chawan — Tea Bowl from Tozan-gama, Tobe Ware Tobe ware carries 250 years of unbroken tradition. Born in Tobe Town, Ehime Prefecture — the same soil where HOJO is rooted — it built its reputation on the clean strength of white porcelain and cobalt brushwork. Yet within that tradition, certain kilns pushed further. Tozan-gama was one of them. Aesthetic & Tactile Details This bowl refuses the expected. Where Tobe ware typically arrives white and clear, here the glaze descends into deep iron-black — a Temmoku surface that pulls light inward rather than reflecting it. Fine gold-brown speckles drift across the body, suspended in the dark ground like embers cooling in still air. At the rim, the glaze thins and lifts into warm rust — Hi-iro, the flame color, drawn out by the climbing kiln's breath. The form opens generously: wide at the mouth, grounded at the foot. The kodai is left unglazed, exposing the pale Tobe porcelain clay beneath — white, dense, characteristic. That contrast — black above, white below — defines the piece. The firing achieves what only a traditional noborigama produces: variation that cannot be planned, only coaxed. Each speckle lands where the flame decided. Artist Profile Sagawa Iwao (佐川 巌) is the third-generation master of Tozan-gama, a kiln established in 1907 in Tobe Town, Ehime Prefecture, when the Sagawa family assumed stewardship of the Fukada kiln lineage. In an era when most Tobe kilns converted to gas or electric firing, Sagawa maintained the traditional noborigama — a wood-fired climbing kiln — using pine as fuel and embracing the unpredictable beauty that only flame can produce. His work centers on tea ceramics: chawan, flower vessels, and utensils that meet the formal demands of the tea ceremony while carrying the unmistakable character of Tobe's dense, white porcelain body. Sagawa has exhibited in the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition and is recognized as one of the leading figures in Tobe ware's artistic heritage. This piece is accompanied by its original tomobako, signed in brushwork and sealed with the Tozan-gama red ink seal — a complete and authenticated provenance. Condition & Specifications Condition: Mint condition. No chips, cracks, or restoration. This piece shows no signs of use and retains its original appearance in perfect condition. Height: 7.0 cm | Width: 12.8 cm Weight: 260 g (with tomobako: 652 g) Accompanied by original tomobako signed by the artist. Potter's seal impressed on kodai. 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.