Vintage Black Raku Matcha Tea Bowl, 3rd Sasaki Shoraku, Dōhachi Utsushi, Crane Design (Tsuruga), Matcha Tea Bowl, Kuro Raku Tsutsu Chawan, Winter Tea Bowl, Unused,
Raku ware is a type of pottery ware produced in Kyoto.
Raku ware refers to ceramics, mostly tea bowls, produced by the Raku family from the first generation Chojiro. Raku ware is formed by hand, and fired in temperatures from 700℃ to 1,000℃.
There are two main types of Raku ware: the Aka-raku (Red Raku ware), which is covered with transparent glaze over a clay surface containing iron oxide, and Kuro-raku (Black Raku ware), which is covered with black glaze. The term “Raku” sometimes refers to all pottery ware made by this same process. – Quote from A Dictionary of Japanese Art Terms
3rd Sasaki Shoraku was born in Kyoto in 1944. He studied under his father, 2nd Sasaki Shoraku, and later became the third-generation Shoraku.
We acquired it from a friend. It comes with its Tomobako (original signed paulownia box) and Tomonuno (original artist-stamped cloth).
According to our friend, her family did not use the tea bowl.
There are no visible signs of use.
This Black Raku Tsutsu Chawan was made by 3rd Sasaki Shoraku.
The original design was created by Nin’Ami Dōhachi.
Nin’Ami Dōhachi (1783-1855, the second-generation Takahashi Dōhachi) was one of the leading potters of “Kyo-yaki” and “Oniwa-yaki” from the mid to late Edo period. With his keen aesthetic judgment and exceptional technical skill, he gained renown as a genius potter. Historical sources suggest that he supplied works not only to feudal lords, wealthy merchants, and temples around Kyoto, but also to patrons throughout Japan.
Born in 1783 as the second son of the first-generation Takahashi Dōhachi, a potter of Kyoto’s Awataguchi district, his given name was Mitsutoki. In addition to studying under his father, he is said to have apprenticed with Hōzan Bunzō, the 11th head of the long-established Unrin’in Hōzan family of Awataguchi ware, as well as Okuda Eisen, known for his works in the style of Chinese ceramics.
In 1804, upon the death of his father, he inherited the family kiln and assumed the name of the second-generation Dōhachi. In 1811, he relocated the kiln from Awataguchi to Gojōzaka, where he later worked alongside the third-generation Dōhachi. In 1825 (Bunsei 8), he received the rank of Hokyo from the Prince of Ninna-ji and thereafter used the name Hokyo Nin’Ami.
Late Edo Kyoto is often described as the “second golden age” of ceramics, following that of Nonomura Ninsei, and Dōhachi was one of its representative masters. In 1842, he retired after handing over the kiln to the third generation, established the “Momoyama Kiln” in Fushimi-Momoyama, and continued producing works until his death in 1855 at the age of 73.
Nin’Ami Dōhachi created both the “Black Raku Tea Bowl with Crane Design” and the “Black Raku Tea Bowl with Crane and Tortoise Design” (Tokyo National Museum). Both depict cranes, while the Crane and Tortoise bowl also features a tortoise inside.
The crane painted on this reproduction by 3rd Sasaki Shoraku follows the cranes depicted in those two specific Black Raku tea bowls by Nin’Ami Dōhachi. There is no tortoise painted inside this bowl. The box inscription identifies it as “Dōhachi Utsushi, Tsuruga” (Dōhachi reproduction, crane design).
Measurement
Diameter: 9cm / Approx. 3 35/64”
Height: 10.1cm / Approx. 3 31/32″
Thickness: 0.6cm / Approx. 0 15/64”
Weight: 322g
Age: -2010s
Material: Pottery
Color: Black Raku, White
Technique: Black Raku
Title: Dōhachi Utsushi, Tsuruga (Crane Design), Tsutsu Chawan
Condition: Excellent vintage condition consistent with age. (Unused)
* Tomobako (original signed paulownia box; Shihousan, wooden nails)
* Tomonuno (original artist-stamped cloth)
* No chips, cracks, scratches, or visible blemishes.
* Raku pimples on the surface.
* Inscription (Refer to No. 8 photo)
* Almost no discoloration on the box. (Refer to No. 10 photo)
* Price tag was peeled off from the paper box. (Refer to No. 10 photo)
* Minor discoloration on the cloth. (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.
If you have any questions about the condition or would like additional photos, please contact us before purchasing.
