Vintage Black Raku Mei Matcha Tea Bowl, Daitokuji Temple, Takahashi Etsudo, 3rd Sasaki Shoraku, Name (Mei): Kojitsu (Konichi), Matcha Tea Bowl, Kuro Raku Chawan,
Raku ware is a type of pottery 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
The tea bowl was named “Kojitsu (Konichi)” by Takahashi Etsudo.
Takahashi Etsudo was one of the former chief priests of Daitokuji Temple. He entered Daitokuji Soudo in 1948 and studied the Rinzai school and Zen under Goto Zuigan (1879-1965) and Oda Sessou (1901-1966). He became chief priest of Myojoji in 1953 and was a well-known priest associated with Daitokuji 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. He is known for his Raku ware and for tea bowls used in the Japanese tea ceremony.
The inscription Kojitsu (Konichi) means “Good Day” and is associated with the Zen phrase Nichinichi Kore Konichi, commonly rendered as “Every day is a good day.” Here, the phrase conveys the idea of living each day fully.
We received this tea bowl from our relative. It comes with its Tomobako (original signed paulownia box), a Tomonuno (original artist-stamped cloth), an original cloth (unstamped), and an original paper box. According to our relative, the Chawan with Daitokuji’s endorsement was not used. We also see no clear signs of use. A tool mark is visible on the surface.
Measurement
Diameter: 11.3cm / Approx. 4 29/64”
Height: 8cm – 8.2cm / Approx. 3 5/32” – 3 15/64”
Thickness: 0.7cm / Approx. 9/32″
Weight: 346g
Age: -2000s
Material: Pottery
Color: Black Raku, Cream Gray
Technique: Black Raku
Condition: Excellent vintage condition consistent with age. (Unused or very lightly used)
* Tomobako (original signed paulownia box) (Shihousan, wooden nails)
* Tomonuno (original artist-stamped cloth)
* Original cloth (unstamped)
* Original paper box
* No chips, cracks, scratches, or blemishes.
* Inscription (Refer to No. 7 and No. 8 photos)
* Almost no discoloration on the wooden box. (Refer to No. 10 photo)
* Light discoloration and scratches on 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.
If you have any questions about the condition or would like additional photos, please contact us before purchasing.
