Seto Ware Nogime Tenmoku Tea Bowl — by Kato Gizan, Aichi Prefectural Traditional Craft Artist, With Tomobako Historical Context Seto, in Aichi Prefecture, carries over a thousand years of ceramic history. It stands as one of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan — the only kiln site in medieval Japan to produce glazed pottery — and the place where tenmoku production first took root on Japanese soil. Potters in Seto have long looked to Song dynasty China as both a source and a challenge. The tenmoku tradition demands iron-saturated glazes, precise kiln atmospheres, and a willingness to submit to fire. Nogime — the hare's fur glaze — belongs to this lineage. Iron migrates downward through the molten glaze as temperature peaks. Fine striations form along the vessel wall. Each line moves independently. No two bowls resolve the same way. This bowl was produced at the Yoshiyama Kiln in Seto City, by a potter who has devoted his practice to the faithful reconstruction of these classical forms. Aesthetic & Tactile Details The glaze opens deep and dark at the rim — iron-black under direct light, shifting toward warm brown where the striations thin and spread. Nogime lines run vertically across the body: some tight and precise, others broadening as they descend, before the glaze thickens and pools just above the kodai. The rim follows the suppon-guchi form — a characteristic outward flare drawn from Song dynasty tenmoku prototypes. This profile opens the bowl gently toward the hand. It invites use. The foot ring is cut cleanly and with intention. Where the glaze ends, the stoneware clay body emerges — pale, dense, finely grained. The contrast between the glaze's depth and the exposed clay speaks plainly. The bowl carries weight low. It settles with stability. An impressed seal — reading "Gizan" — is applied to the base before firing. Artist Profile Kato Gizan operates the Yoshiyama Kiln in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture. He holds the title of Aichi Prefectural Traditional Craft Artist, certified by the Governor of Aichi Prefecture — a designation recognising practitioners who demonstrate mastery of a regional ceramic tradition and contribute to its continuity. Gizan's practice centres on the reconstruction of classical Chinese-derived tenmoku forms. His research extends to the original Song dynasty kilns — the Jian ware of Fujian Province and the Jizhou kilns of Jiangxi — whose firing methods and glaze chemistry directly inform his work. Nogime (hare's fur), yuteki (oil spot), and konoha (leaf) glazes each occupy a distinct area of his investigation. This bowl is accompanied by a tomobako: a signed paulownia wooden storage box bearing the artist's calligraphy and seal in his own hand, confirming authorship. The lid reads: Nogime — Tea Bowl — Gizan. Condition & Specifications Condition: Excellent for age. No chips, cracks, or restoration. While this is a vintage piece, it shows no visible signs of use and retains its original appearance in outstanding condition. Diameter: 15.4 cm Height: 5.4 cm Weight: 327 g (bowl alone); 632 g including tomobako Accompanied by original tomobako (signed wooden storage box). 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. 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