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Kichizaemon Raku Seinyu XIII "13th" Signed Antique Japanese Raku Chawan Tea Bowl

About the Item

A wonderfully glazed, impeccably made Chawan tea bowl by famed Japanese master potter the 13th Kichizaemon Raku, Seinyu (1887-1944) who was the eldest son of Konyu - the 12th Kichizaemon of the Raku family line of potters - known as the most noted and celebrated tradition of pottery within the world of Japanese tea. Kichizaemon Raku was the 13th master to carry on the family's esteemed name and tradition. The bowl features shifting textures and deep, rich colours which radiate in the light. The term "Raku" was derived from the site where clay was dug in Kyoto in the late 16th century. The Kanji character for Raku translates to "enjoyment" or "fun/delightful" For 15 generations it has been the title and seal used by a lineage of potters whose work formed the central tradition in Japan. This lineage believes that 'Raku' refers to the potters who use the technique, not the technique itself. In the 16th century, the first of these potters, Chojiro is said to have come under the patronage of the Japanese tea master, Sen-No-Rikyu. According to legend, in 1598 a few years after Chojiro's death, ruler, Hideyoshi Toyotomi bestowed upon his adopted son, Jokei, a golden seal with the written symbol "Raku." Both the name and the ceramic style have been passed down through the family to the present ever since. The name and the style of ware have become influential in both Japanese culture and literature. Raku ware marked an important point in the historical development of Japanese ceramics, as it was the first ware to use a seal mark and the first to focus on close collaboration between potter and patron. Other famous Japanese clay artists of this period include Donyu (grandson of Chojiro, also known as Nonko; 1574–1656), Hon'ami Koetsu (1556–1637) and Ogata Kenzan (1663–1743). It influenced Horaku ware from Nagoya, Owari province in the later Edo period. Raku Seinyu XIII was known for leading the Raku family through some tumultuous times and far-ranging changes in Japan. He researched techniques and glazes far more than any of his predecessors. He also published a series of research journals on tea ceremony called "Sado seseragi" between 1935 and 1942, which were a groundbreaking attempt for both research on tea ceremony and enlightenment. This work has the signature/impressed stamp of Kichizaemon Raku Seinyu XIII as well as the original signed and sealed box. Would be a great addition to any antique Japanese or Asian pottery ceramics collection or eye-catching stand-alone accent work in about any setting. Indeed, it is a very rare and scarce work. Bowl dimensions: 3.25", 5" wide, 5" deep. Box: 4.75" high, 5.6" wide, 5.6" deep.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 3.25 in (8.26 cm)Width: 5 in (12.7 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)
  • Style:
    Meiji (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Ceramic,Fired,Glazed,Hand-Crafted
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Early 1900s
  • Condition:
    In very good to excellent vintage condition with no discernable flaws, cracks, chips, etc... The original box has light wear consistent with age and use (please see photos). Simply gorgeous and unique work overall. Very rare and scarce.
  • Seller Location:
    Studio City, CA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2254328284162

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