An unusual Bale-shaped Red Raku Chawan scored on the sides enclosed in an age darkened wooden box dating from the 19th century. It is quite large at 14 cm (5-1/2 inches) diameter, 7.5 cm (3 inches) tall and is in excellent condition.
Raku pottery, renowned for its hand-molded tea bowls (chawan), originated in Kyoto in the late 16th century during the Momoyama period (1573–1600). Its creation is credited to Chōjirō, a potter invited by Sen no Rikyū, the influential tea master who sought wares embodying the wabi-sabi aesthetic—simplicity, imperfection, and natural beauty. Raku tea bowls are characterized by their soft, organic forms, subtle glazes, and the unique firing technique where pieces are removed from the kiln while hot, allowing for spontaneous, unpredictable finishes. The process reflects the philosophy of harmony and mindfulness central to the chanoyu tea ceremony.
