The Best for Last, an Old Kuro-Raku Chawan

[sabi]

Good Evening NMB,

 

On offer today is a truly special teabowl made under one of the most prized Japanese ceramic traditions.  Kuro-Raku, 11.7 x 6.5cm, artist unknown

 

Oh what stories this piece could tell!  A few lifetimes of patina mingled with the galaxy landscape that only black Raku can provide. This piece is sparkled with tea stains, cracks and their repairs (and perfectly holds water). Most notably the area near the inside tong mark, showing it has been like this since the moment it was pulled from the fire.  As this vessel was born to be used, lacquer "patches" were added to prevent the spots of rough, bare clay from damaging the chasen, and have oxidized to a chocolate brown over the years (they would've been black originally).  This teabowl melts into the hands as all good Raku does, it's surface appearing and feeling wet even when it isn't.  This is a prized trait and a big reason why they say "Ichi Raku". 

 

I've spent many hours studying his bowl against published works ranging from Momoyama to late-Edo.  Based on the coarse granular clay, glaze characteristics and patina I believe it to be mid to late 17th C.  The measurements also argue for an earlier piece in addition to everything else, as old Raku bowls tend to be smaller than their modern counterparts.  Likely from one of the many small kilns dotted throughout Kyoto.

 

A quintessential example of the style with a quality and presence not often seen.  Comes with a very nice box and shifuku as shown.

 

$500 via PayPal F&F.  I'll ship to the USA at this price, international buyers contact me and we'll work something out. 

 

Please let me know if you have any questions and thanks for looking!

 

[sabi]

Have a couple tire kickers but nobody has committed yet.  Adding a couple pics that didn't fit into my original post. 

 

 

[sabi]

Up for one more look before this is withdrawn, will donate $100 to the board if this sells at my asking price. 

[sabi]

Last chance, will let this run through the weekend.  My offer above stands and will donate 10% of a lower final sale price.  Thanks for looking!

[sabi]

Sold pending funds. 

[Brian]

Update us when sold so that I can move it, thanks.