A Momoyama to Early Edo period Karatsu Chawan enclosed in an ancient, age darkened wooden box with a single zen circle of gold inside surrounding the center. These types of early Karatsu bowls were fired stacked inside each other, and it is certain looking at this piece that the artist forgot the wadding between this and the bowl above, so it adhered to the bowl creating a space without air, which caused the center of the bowl to fire at a different color than the rest which was exposed to the heat and oxidation.The bowl above was likely broken to separate them, and where it had adhered was ground down to be repaired with a ring (or Zen circle) of thin gold.It is a beautiful piece which offers a peek into the history of this regional pottery, as well as telling a story of preservation and offers commentary on our modern throw away society.The bowl is 12 cm (just less than 5 inches) diameter, 6.5 cm (2-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Karatsu pottery (Karatsu-yaki) is a celebrated Japanese ceramic tradition that originated in the late 16th century in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture, on the island of Kyushu, heavily influenced by Korean pottery techniques brought over by artisans during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573–1603). Karatsu pottery is known for its understated, rustic aesthetic, often characterized by natural glazes, earthy tones, and minimal decoration. Its designs align with the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, emphasizing simplicity, imperfection, and the beauty of natural forms. Popular styles include E-garatsu (painted Karatsu), Madara-garatsu (spotted Karatsu), and Chōsen-garatsu (Korean-style Karatsu). Initially, Karatsu ware was produced to serve the practical needs of daily life, including tableware, and storage jars. However, with the rise of the Japanese tea ceremony, it became highly sought after by tea masters for its organic beauty and suitability for the ritual.
