Vintage Bizen Matcha Tea Bowl, Japanese Matcha Tea Bowl, Bizen Ware, Sangiri, Yohen, Haikaburi, Stone Burst, Kuttsuki, Touko Konishi, Toukogama Kiln, Chawan,
MB-032903
Bizen ware is one of famous Japanese pottery. It is from Bizen province (Okayama, Japan). Konishi Touko is very famous for Sangiri.
Because the masters Mimura Toukei and Konishi Touko, the first artists, together discovered the technique for making Sangiri in 1926.
That’s why they produce very good quality of Sangri Bizen Ware.
2nd Toko Konishi (1927-2018). She succeeded to 2nd Toko Konishi in 1954 after her father 1st Toko Konishi passed away.
Her son, Tozo Konishi (1947-) became the head of Touko Kiln after 2nd Touko passed away.
This is an authentic Bizen ware matcha tea bowl (chawan) by the 2nd generation Touko Konishi (1927–2018), complete with its original signed wooden box (tomobako) and original cloth (tomonuno).
Works by 2nd Touko Konishi have become extremely scarce on the Japanese market in recent years. Even around 2019–2020, only a limited number of pieces appeared for sale, and today they are seldom seen outside established collections. This makes the present piece particularly difficult to acquire.
Possibly reflecting the sensibility of a female master, the form and exterior are exceptionally refined, with a quiet elegance and balance that distinguish her work.
In contrast, the interior reveals natural kiln effects such as ishihaze (small stone bursts) and kutsuki (firing marks from contact during firing). These organic textures create a landscape reminiscent of a Japanese Zen rock garden.
As matcha is prepared and gradually consumed, the scenery within the bowl slowly reveals itself—almost like a moss garden emerging into view. This subtle transformation offers a contemplative experience unique to tea ceramics of the highest level.
While this delicate beauty is difficult to fully capture in photographs, it embodies the depth and philosophy of traditional Japanese aesthetics.
A truly exceptional piece for collectors of Bizen ware and practitioners of the Japanese tea ceremony.
Measurement
Width: 11.5cm / Approx. 4 17/32”
Height: 8cm / Approx. 3 5/32″
Thickness: 0.65cm / Approx. 0 1/4”
Weight: 349g
Gross Weight: 643g
Age: – 1980s
Material: Clay
Color: Sangri, Yohen, Goma Colors – Charcoal Gray, Dark Blown, Brown, Ash Gray
Technique: Sangiri, Yohen, Haikaburi, Stone Burst, Kuttsuki (Straw Stick) techniques
Condition: Excellent vintage condition consistent with age (Unused or Mint Condition)
* Original paulownia box
* Original cloth
* Original guide paper by a Bizen pottery shop.
* No chips, no cracks, no scratches and no blemishes.
* Inscription (Refer to No. 9 photo)
* Ishihaze (Stone Burst), Haikaburim, Kuttsuki (Stick) .
* Wood nails on the box. (Refer to No. 10 photo)
* Light discoloration and scratches on the box. (Refer to No. 10 Photo)
* You may find “minor scratch” on kodai (the base section of a tea bowl).
* Actual colors may vary due to the fact that every computer monitor, laptop, tablet and phone screen.
* Please purchase “Package Protection” for Fully Insured Service.
If you are very serious and sensitive on vintage items or looking for perfect items, please refrain from purchasing.
*** If you have any questions or need additional photos, please contact us. ***
