Vintage Black Raku Matcha Tea Bowl, Nishimura Ichiraku, Hoen-kama, Ninnami Utsushi, Kuro Raku Chawan, Matcha Tea Bowl, Kuro Raku, 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: Aka-raku (Red Raku), with a transparent glaze over an iron-bearing clay surface, and Kuro-raku (Black Raku), with a black glaze. The term “Raku” sometimes refers to all pottery ware made by this same process. – Quote from A Dictionary of Japanese Art Terms
Nishimura Ichiraku was born in Kyoto in 1951; his real name is Nishimura Teruichi.
In 1973, he studied under Deguchi Naoya (1915–1977) and began learning tea ceremony around the same time.
After Deguchi Naoya passed away in 1977, he studied under Ohno Kyuuko.
He became independent in 1980.
He lives in Ayabe City, Kyoto Prefecture, and is one of the potters who make high-quality Raku tea bowls.
He specializes in reproductions of Raku tea bowls.
Nishimura Ichiraku creates Raku tea bowls using the traditional hand-forming and low-temperature firing methods associated with Raku ware. He operates Hoen-kama in Kyoto and is particularly known for reproductions of historic Raku tea bowls, including Kuro-raku and Aka-raku works.
We acquired this bowl from a friend. It comes with its Tomobako (original signed paulownia box), Tomonuno (original artist-stamped cloth), and an artist-provided leaflet.
According to our friend, her family did not use the tea bowl.
There are no visible signs of use.
This tea bowl by Nishimura Ichiraku is a Ninnami Utsushi, a reproduction of a distinctive Black Raku tea bowl by Ninnami Dōhachi (1783-1855). The term “Kuro Raku Chawan” describes the type of tea bowl; it is not a formal name (mei).
Ninnami Dōhachi, born as Mitsutoki, was the second son of the first-generation Takahashi Dōhachi, a potter from Awataguchi, Kyoto. In 1804, when his father passed away, he succeeded to the kiln at the age of 22 and took on the name of the second-generation Takahashi Dōhachi.
He utilized various techniques and styles such as Chinese porcelain-style blue and white ware, colored porcelain, Raku-style black glaze, Kenzan-style (Ogata Kenzan), and Ninsei-style. He was particularly known as a master of “utsushi” (reproduction) of tea utensils.
Ninnami Dōhachi’s works are known for their beauty and practicality as tea utensils. The rims of his tea bowls are shaped and thickened for ease of drinking, the bodies are made thick for excellent heat retention, and the bases are sized for stability, considering the user’s handling.
Kyoto’s tea culture is closely related to the upper class, so Kyo-yaki tea utensils have developed with an emphasis on both splendid decoration and usability.
Ninnami’s works also show designs that consider the hand movements and visual effects when making tea.
Regarding the original Black Raku tea bowl by Ninnami Dōhachi, the lid of its box bears an inscription by Ninnami Dōhachi stating “Kōetsu Utsushi (reproduction) Black Tea Bowl.” This suggests that the bowl was modeled after a tea bowl by Hon’ami Kōetsu. However, no matching Kōetsu tea bowl has been identified among known works. The bowl has a rounded body, an undulating rim, and black glaze extending from the interior to the exterior, with areas of red glaze providing contrast. In 1825 (Bunsei 8), he received the rank of Hokyo from the Prince of Ninna-ji and thereafter used the name Hokyo Nin’ami. The inscription “Hokyo” on the original tea bowl’s box indicates that Dōhachi created that work after 1825 (Bunsei 8).
Measurement
Diameter: 11cm – 11.3cm / Approx. 4 21/64” – 4 29/64”
Height: 7.76cm – 8.0cm / Approx. 3 1/16″ – 3 5/32”
Thickness: 0.5cm / Approx. 0 13/64”
Weight: 311g
Age: -2010s
Material: Pottery
Color: Black Raku, Suede Brown, Light Khaki
Technique: Black Raku
Title: Ninnami Utsushi Kuro Raku Chawan
Condition: Excellent vintage condition consistent with age. (Unused)
* Original paulownia box (Shihousan, wooden nails)
* Tomonuno (original artist-stamped cloth)
* Artist-provided leaflet
* No chips, cracks, scratches, or visible blemishes.
* Raku glaze drips are visible on the surface. (Refer to No. 9 photo)
* Inscription (Refer to No. 8 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.
If you have any questions about the condition or would like additional photos, please contact us before purchasing.
