Vintage Black Raku Matcha Tea Bowl, 3rd Sasaki Shoraku, Nonko (Donyuu) Utsushi, Reproduction, Original Mei: Aoyama (Donyuu Utsushi), Kuro Raku, Chawan, 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 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.
This tea bowl by 3rd Sasaki Shoraku is a reproduction of “Aoyama,” the Black Raku tea bowl by Donyuu (Nonko).
Donyuu (commonly known as Nonko, 1599–1656), the third-generation master of the Raku family, was a distinguished potter who inherited the Raku ware tradition established by Sen no Rikyu while introducing a new aesthetic sensibility.
He was the eldest son of Jokei, and his given name was Kichibei.
The name “Nonko” is said to have originated from a bamboo flower vase inscribed “Nonko” that was presented to him by Sotan.
“Aoyama” is one of the celebrated “Kaga Seven Nonko Tea Bowls” (Nonko Kaga Shichishu). The bowl received its name from Aoyama Shogen, chief retainer of the Maeda clan of Kaga, who once owned it.
The bowl came to us from a relative, whose family had kept it unused. It comes with its original paper box, Tomobako (original signed paulownia box), and Tomonuno (original artist-stamped cloth).
There are no visible signs of use.
Measurement
Diameter: 11.0 cm – 11.4cm / Approx. 4 21/64” – 4 31/64”
Height: 8.5cm – 8.7cm / Approx. 3 11/32″ – 3 27/64”
Thickness: 0.5cm / Approx. 13/64”
Weight: 318g
Age: 7 March 2006
Material: Pottery
Color: Black Raku, Raku Yellow Beige
Technique: Black Raku
Original Work: Aoyama (Black Raku tea bowl by Donyuu / Nonko)
Title: Nonko Utsushi, Aoyama
Condition: Excellent vintage condition consistent with age. (Unused)
* Tomobako (original signed paulownia box; Shihousan, wooden nails)
* Tomonuno (original artist-stamped cloth)
* Original paper box
* No chips, cracks, scratches, or blemishes.
* Raku pimples on the surface.
* Inscription (Refer to No. 9 photo)
* Almost no discoloration on the wooden box and the paper 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.
