Shoraku Red Raku Tea Bowl with White Band - Chawan with Signed Box

A handcrafted Red Raku tea bowl (aka-raku chawan) by Shoraku, a skilled artisan in the Raku pottery tradition. This matcha bowl features a warm terracotta red body with delicate crackling glaze and a distinctive white-gray band encircling the upper portion, creating an elegant contrast. Perfect for daily matcha practice or as a collector's display piece. Ships with tracking from Japan.

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[ PRODUCT DETAILS ]
• Artist: Shoraku (昭楽)
• Origin: Kyoto, Japan
• Type: Tea Bowl (Chawan / 茶碗)
• Style: Aka-Raku (Red Raku) / Wabi-sabi aesthetic
• Dimensions: 11.5 cm diameter × 7.8 cm height (4.5" × 3.1") – Standard size for Usucha (thin tea)
• Materials: Raku clay, hand-applied red glaze
• Packaging: Signed wooden box (tomobako) with artist's stamp seal
• Condition: Good condition, consistent with handmade Raku character. No cracks or chips.

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[ ABOUT THIS PIECE ]
This tea bowl embodies the Raku tradition that has been central to Japanese tea ceremony for over 450 years. The soft, hand-molded form — shaped without a potter's wheel — gives it an organic, inviting quality that feels natural in the hands. The spiraling foot ring (koudai) reveals the artisan's confident hand, while the stamp seal "楽" (Raku) on the base confirms its lineage.

The most striking feature is the broad white-gray band that wraps around the upper body, creating a beautiful interplay between the warm red glaze and the cooler neutral tone. This decorative technique adds visual depth while maintaining the restrained elegance prized in tea ceremony aesthetics.

[ WHY CHOOSE THIS TEA BOWL? ]
Shoraku is a respected name in the Raku pottery world, known for faithful interpretation of classical Raku forms. This piece offers an accessible entry point into collecting authentic Raku ware, with the added assurance of a signed tomobako (wooden storage box) confirming provenance.

[ CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE ]
Raku pottery holds a unique place in Japanese ceramic history. Developed in the late 16th century under the patronage of tea master Sen no Rikyu, Raku ware was specifically created for the tea ceremony. The technique of hand-molding rather than wheel-throwing, and firing at low temperatures in small kilns, produces bowls with a distinctive warmth and tactile quality that embodies the wabi-sabi philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection.

The red Raku (aka-raku) tradition predates the more famous black Raku, and its warm, earthy tones evoke a sense of vitality and warmth particularly suited to spring and summer tea gatherings.

[ PROVENANCE & AUTHENTICITY ]
Accompanied by the artist's signed wooden box (tomobako) with calligraphy identifying the piece and the artist's stamp seal. The tomobako serves as a certificate of authenticity in the Japanese art world.

[ SUGGESTED USES ]
• Daily matcha preparation — the Raku clay retains heat beautifully for whisking tea
• Display piece for Japanese ceramic collections
• Perfect gift for tea ceremony enthusiasts, Zen practitioners, or anyone who appreciates handmade Japanese art
• Unique housewarming or birthday gift with cultural significance

[ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ]
Q: Can I use this for drinking matcha?
A: Absolutely! Raku tea bowls are specifically designed for preparing and drinking matcha. The porous clay helps insulate the tea and feels wonderful in the hands.

Q: How should I care for this bowl?
A: Before first use, soak briefly in clean water. After use, rinse gently with warm water (no soap) and allow to air dry completely before storing in its wooden box. Never use a dishwasher.

Q: Is the white band painted on?
A: The white-gray band is an integral part of the glazing technique, applied during the firing process rather than painted afterward. It is permanent and durable.

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• Dispatch: Within 1-6 business days
• Carrier: Japan Post EMS / UPS (with tracking)
• Packaging: Carefully wrapped with protective materials