Vintage Black Raku Tsutsu Mei Matcha Tea Bowl, Fukumoto Sekio, 3rd Sasaki Shoraku, Name (Mei): Fukurokuju, Houju Kaen, Matcha Tea Bowl, Kuro Raku Tsutsu Chawan, Unused,
Raku ware is a Kyoto ceramic tradition closely associated with tea bowls. Raku tea bowls are hand-shaped and fired at relatively low temperatures. Black Raku (Kuro Raku) is characterized by its black glaze, while Red Raku (Aka Raku) has a different clay and glaze treatment.
This Black Raku Tsutsu Chawan was made by 3rd Sasaki Shoraku as a Chounyu Utsushi after Raku Chounyu. It was named “Fukurokuju” by Fukumoto Sekio.
Fukumoto Sekio (born 1930) was a Rinzai Zen priest associated with Daitokuji Temple. He studied Zen under Souou Washo and was ordained by Souou Washo at Yotokuin Temple in 1940. In 1949, he became a pupil of Moriyama Kankei (Seikyoken Kankei Roshi), chief priest of Daitokuji Temple, and also practiced meditation at Mino Kokei Dojo. He was appointed chief priest of Shoshunji Temple in 1959 and served as chief priest of Horinji Temple from 1983 to 2004. In 2004, he again became chief priest of Shoshunji Temple.
3rd Sasaki Shoraku was born in Kyoto in 1944. He studied under his father, 2nd Sasaki Shoraku, and later became the third-generation Shoraku.
The name Fukurokuju refers to one of the Seven Lucky Gods. The surface is decorated with a Houju Kaen motif, depicting a jewel within flames and symbolizing wishes for good fortune and happiness.
This tea bowl came from a relative. According to the family, it was not used, and no visible signs of use are apparent. It comes with its Tomobako (original signed paulownia box) and Tomonuno (original artist-stamped cloth).
Measurement
Diameter: 9.5cm / Approx. 3 47/64″
Height: 9.4cm–9.7cm / Approx. 3 45/64″–3 13/16″
Thickness: 0.6cm / Approx. 15/64″
Weight: 314g
Age: -2010s
Material: Pottery
Color: Black Raku, Gold
Technique: Black Raku
Style: Chounyu Utsushi
Pattern: Houju Kaen
Title: Chounyu Utsushi, Mei Fukurokuju
Condition: Excellent vintage condition consistent with age. (Unused)
* Tomobako (original signed paulownia box).
* Tomonuno (original artist-stamped cloth).
* No chips, cracks, scratches, or visible blemishes.
* Small Raku firing marks are visible on the surface.
* Inscription (Refer to No. 7 photo)
* Almost no discoloration on the box. (Refer to No. 10 photo)
* No unpleasant odor is present.
* The kodai (foot ring at the base of the tea bowl) rests on surfaces, so minor contact marks may be present.
* Three evenly spaced spur marks are visible on the foot ring.
If you have any questions about the condition or would like additional photos, please contact us before purchasing.
