– Takatori-yaki from Fukuoka Prefecture, one of Kyūshū's most respected ceramic traditions – Striking yōhen (kiln-change) glaze effects with natural colour variations and flow patterns – Classic chawan proportions at 7.7 × 12.6 cm, perfect for tea ceremony or contemplative display Summary: This Takatori-yaki tea bowl showcases the dramatic yōhen – or kiln-change – glaze effects that make this tradition so compelling to collectors and tea practitioners. Takatori ware originated in Fukuoka Prefecture during the early 17th century, quickly gaining recognition for its sophisticated glazes, refined forms, and special relationship with tea ceremony culture. The unpredictable beauty of yōhen glazes, which develop through complex interactions of heat, minerals, and firing atmosphere, creates surfaces that feel almost alive, with colours flowing and blending in ways no potter can fully control. This chawan offers an excellent example of Takatori's aesthetic strengths – earthy sophistication, technical mastery, and the kind of natural beauty that rewards long contemplation. Takatori ware emerged during the early Edo period when Korean potters were brought to Kyūshū following Toyotomi Hideyoshi's campaigns on the Korean peninsula. These skilled craftspeople brought sophisticated techniques and aesthetic sensibilities that transformed Japanese ceramics, particularly in southern regions. Takatori kilns established themselves as producers of high-quality tea wares, earning particular favour among tea masters who appreciated the tradition's balance between Korean-influenced forms and Japanese aesthetic preferences. The relationship with tea ceremony culture remains strong today, with Takatori chawan valued for their comfortable proportions, pleasing tactile qualities, and glazes that create visual interest without overwhelming the contemplative tea experience. The yōhen glaze on this bowl demonstrates the kind of natural beauty that makes Takatori ware so captivating. Yōhen refers to unexpected colour transformations that occur during high-temperature firing, as minerals in the glaze respond to heat and kiln atmosphere in unpredictable ways. The results might include dramatic colour shifts, crystalline formations, metallic lustres, or flowing patterns where one glaze bleeds into another. Each effect is unique and unrepeatable, making every yōhen piece genuinely one-of-a-kind. On this particular bowl, the glaze displays rich tonal variations and natural flow patterns that reward close observation, revealing new details each time you handle it. The bowl's dimensions – 7.7 cm in height with 12.6 cm diameter – place it firmly within traditional chawan proportions. This size suits matcha preparation beautifully, providing sufficient volume for whisking whilst remaining comfortable to hold and lift. The form itself shows Takatori's characteristic balance: neither too heavy nor too delicate, with a foot ring that provides stability and allows proper handling according to tea ceremony protocol. Beyond functional use, the bowl displays beautifully, its modest scale making it accessible for varied shelf or cabinet arrangements. Collectors of Japanese tea ceremony ceramics consistently value Takatori ware for its technical quality, historical importance, and aesthetic sophistication. Whilst this bowl represents work from the tradition rather than a signed piece by a named master, it demonstrates authentic craftsmanship and the glaze effects that make Takatori ceramics distinctive. Tea practitioners and collectors alike appreciate such pieces for their direct connection to centuries of Japanese ceramic excellence and their ability to enhance daily tea rituals or contemplative moments. Overall in excellent vintage condition with only minor signs of age and handling. Light wear consistent with gentle use, no chips or cracks. Yōhen glaze effects are entirely natural and integral to the piece's character. Stable foot ring, ready for tea ceremony use or display. If this tea bowl resonates with your appreciation for traditional Japanese ceramics and the unpredictable beauty of natural glaze effects, we invite you to let it become part of your collection. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Japanese ceramics and guarantee this piece's authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours. 1154