Hagi-Style Tawarade Tea Bowl by Takeo Yamazaki (Shoun Kiln) – Signed Tomobako This refined tea bowl was created by Takeo Yamazaki of Shoun Kiln, a Kyoto ceramic artist known for his mastery of traditional Japanese tea ceramics. Active during the late Showa and Heisei periods, Yamazaki devoted his career to studying and recreating some of the most celebrated ceramic traditions of Japan and East Asia. His works range from Kyoto-style Kiyomizu ware to interpretations of Hagi ware, Mishima ware, and Korean-inspired tea ceramics, demonstrating remarkable technical versatility and a deep understanding of tea culture. This bowl is a fine example of a Tawarade Chawan (rice-bale tea bowl). Rather than being perfectly circular, the vessel is intentionally formed into a subtle oval shape reminiscent of a traditional rice bale. Achieving this shape requires considerable skill, as the potter must carefully alter the form after throwing while maintaining balance and harmony throughout the piece. In Japanese culture, the rice bale symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and a successful harvest. For this reason, Tawarade tea bowls have long been appreciated as auspicious vessels and are especially suitable for formal tea gatherings, harvest-season ceremonies, and New Year tea events. Another remarkable feature can be found on the foot of the bowl. The square foot is deliberately shaped like a traditional Japanese measuring box known as a masu, historically used for measuring rice. Even the diagonal divider inside the foot has been carefully reproduced. Combined with the rice-bale (tawara) form of the bowl, this design evokes the image of a harvest so abundant that it overflows from the measuring box. In Japanese culture, both the rice bale and the masu are auspicious symbols associated with prosperity, abundance, and good fortune. The softly textured surface is covered with a warm pinkish-white glaze inspired by the aesthetics of Hagi ware. Fine crazing beneath the glaze creates depth and character, while the carved decorative patterns around the body enhance the bowl's sculptural presence. The interplay between the gentle glaze and the strong relief carving gives the piece both elegance and vitality. Combining Kyoto craftsmanship with the timeless spirit of Japanese tea culture, this tea bowl represents the work of a highly skilled ceramic artist who understood both technical excellence and ceremonial beauty. The original signed wooden storage box (tomobako) is included. A fine tea bowl for tea practitioners, collectors of Japanese ceramics, and admirers of traditional craftsmanship. The bowl is intentionally formed in a traditional oval "Tawarade" shape measuring approximately 13 × 11 cm. Actual Weight：300g Shipping Weight：900g 【IMPORTANT SHIPPING INFORMATION – PLEASE READ BEFORE BIDDING】 This item will be shipped from Japan via Registered International ePacket Light service with tracking. The tea bowl weighs approximately 300 g. The total packed shipping weight is approximately 900 g. Delivery times vary by destination and customs processing. International shipments may take several weeks to arrive depending on local postal conditions. For eligible destinations, the IOSS number provided by Catawiki will be transmitted electronically to facilitate VAT processing. Import duties, VAT, customs clearance fees, and any other local charges remain the responsibility of the buyer where applicable. Please monitor the tracking information after dispatch and respond promptly to any communication from customs authorities or local postal services. Failure to do so may result in storage fees, return shipping, or delivery delays. All items are carefully packed with protective materials to ensure safe international transport. The tea bowl and its original wooden box will be securely wrapped and boxed for shipment. Please bid responsibly and only if you intend to complete the purchase. By placing a bid, you are committing to buy the item if you win the auction.