Kutsugata Chawan

Description

This Kutsugata-style (沓形) chawan features a softly tapered silhouette that narrows near the foot, creating a natural, ergonomic hold. The exterior is finished with a deep reddish-brown glaze that transitions into earthy greens near the base, accented by fine speckles formed from flying ash inside the nobori-gama (see description below). These natural ash deposits are a hallmark of wood-fired ceramics and cannot be replicated in electric kilns, adding a unique layer of texture and depth to each piece. Inside the bowl, a vivid display of layered blues draws the eye inward, created through careful control of glaze and firing conditions. The result is a tea bowl that not only functions beautifully but also reflects the skill and tradition of Japanese kiln-fired craftsmanship.

This matcha bowl by Rito Aoshima was fired in a noborigama kiln, which is an ascending Japanese wood-fired kiln that originated in the early 17th century and was an integral part of Japan’s ceramic development. As the heat rises in a noborigama, fine ash is created which covers the ceramic pieces and creates unique and natural variations in the glazes.

This matcha bowl comes in a kiribako (桐箱) made from paulownia wood. The front is painted with the style of the bowl (Kutsugata), the name of the kiln (Ritougama), and the stamp of the artist, Rito Aoshima. Inside, the bowl is wrapped and protected with a turmeric-dyed cloth as is the traditional style, as well as modern bubble wrap for additional protection.

About the Shitoro-Yaki Teaware

Shitoro-Yaki (志戸呂焼) refers to the pottery style of a small region in southwest Shizuoka Prefecture, dating back to the 12th Century. The center of this style is a town formerly known as Kanaya (金谷), which is also the home of the Sugimoto family. Clay from this area is high in ferric oxides, represented by yellowish and reddish hues in the clay and glazes. Pottery in this style often showcases the color and character of this clay, encouraging us to appreciate rustic simplicity and focus on the subtleties that make every piece unique.

Kobori Enshu, a tea master in the Edo Period (17th Century), loved Shitoro-Yaki and certified it as one of the "Enshu Nana Kama" (7 pottery-styles of Enshu).

About the Artist

Rito Aoshima (青嶋利陶) is a 2nd generation potter, whose father started the current studio in which he works. The studio was created to revitalize the Shitoro-Yaki style and preserve its over 900 year history. The kiln was built as a Noborigama (rising kiln), which has multiple levels staggered vertically to achieve an extremely hot firing temperature. Rito Aoshima studied pottery in Seto (a famous location for pottery), before returning to Shizuoka to study in the Shitoro-Yaki style. Later, he has assumed his father's studio and kiln, and continues to make teaware for tea ceremony, as well as other vessels with a focus on elegance.

*This handmade item belongs to the category of artisanal teaware. Coupons or discounts do not apply.

Care Instructions:

• Hand wash only.
• Do not use a harsh scrubber.
• Do not put in the dishwasher or microwave.

SKU:

RITO-CHWN-KUTSU