Please Note: I usually ship within 24 hours after payment. However, payments made on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday will be shipped on Monday since the post office is closed on weekends. Tracking updates on Catawiki may take some time to appear. Shipping costs include insurance but not customs duties. Import taxes or customs fees may apply depending on your country, and I cannot influence or adjust them. If you disagree with the customs charges, please contact your local customs office directly. As this item ships from Japan, delivery may take longer than usual. Authenticity & Handcrafted Nature: This item is an authentic Japanese handcrafted tea bowl. Each stage of its creation—from forming to glazing and firing—was executed by hand. Variations in brushwork, color transitions, glaze texture, and surface crackle are natural results of the traditional ceramic process and are essential elements of its artistic individuality and authenticity. Estimated Period: 1980 – 2000 (This period aligns with the mature creative phase of Kawasaki Waraku, during which his works increasingly emphasized painterly expression and refined surface design.) Description: ■ Who is Kawasaki Waraku? Kawasaki Waraku is a Japanese ceramic artist known for his distinctive fusion of traditional tea ceramics and strong visual design. His works often transcend utilitarian boundaries, functioning simultaneously as tea utensils and independent art objects. Among collectors, Waraku is especially appreciated for his refined sense of composition, color balance, and rhythmic surface treatment. ■ “O-dai” Theme Tea Bowl “O-dai” refers to an imperial or ceremonial theme traditionally announced annually in Japan and interpreted by artists across disciplines. In tea ceramics, an O-dai chawan reflects not only technical skill but also conceptual interpretation. This bowl represents Waraku’s personal artistic response to the theme, translating poetic imagery into ceramic form. ■ Design & Visual Composition The design features a dynamic flow of stylized wave motifs rendered in deep cobalt blue, contrasted against a luminous green-to-ivory gradient ground. The composition recalls both classical Japanese painting and modern abstract sensibilities. The crackled glaze surface enhances depth and movement, giving the bowl a painterly, almost canvas-like presence. ■ Form & Function Despite its bold visual impact, the bowl maintains excellent functional balance. The gently rising foot, well-proportioned body, and comfortable rim reflect Waraku’s deep understanding of tea practice. This harmony between usability and visual drama is a hallmark of highly collectible contemporary tea ceramics. ■ Condition & Accessories This piece is accompanied by its original signed tomobako and matching cloth, providing clear provenance and significantly enhancing its desirability among international collectors. Complete original accessories are a critical factor in achieving strong auction results. Expert’s Insight: For European collectors, this tea bowl resonates as a crossover work—rooted in tradition yet visually aligned with modern ceramic art. Its painterly surface, confident composition, and conceptual background place it closer to studio art ceramics than conventional tea wares. Such pieces appeal strongly to collectors of Japanese ceramics who value design, narrative, and visual impact over strict formality. Antique/Vintage Notice: This is a vintage item. Please note that it may show natural signs of age, such as minor wear, slight discoloration, or subtle imperfections. These characteristics are part of its history and enhance its authenticity. Shipping & Handling: We ship worldwide from Japan using insured and trackable services. All items are professionally packed to ensure safe delivery. Import duties or customs fees are the buyer’s responsibility. Delivery may take time depending on your location. Feel free to reach out with any questions.