*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS.

This listing is for a kuro raku hira chawan made around 40-50 years ago by noted potter, Fukui Rakuin.  It is hand-turned and the flat hira type used during the summer season. Hira chawan are shallow bowls with low sides designed to cool tea down faster. This particular bowl is a black kuro raku piece with a generous amount of gloss. It has a reasonably plump rim inviting the drinker’s gaze into the interior of the bowl. The stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom, and it comes with its original signed wooden storage box. It also comes with a yellow wrapping cloth for when the item is not in use.  *PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CHASHAKU TEA SCOOP IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS

Fukui Rakuin (b. Meiji 37/1904) was a Raku-ware and pupil of master potter Ukita Rakutoku in Kyoto. He exhibited work six times at the Bunten Ministry of Education Arts Exhibition, five times at the prestigious Nitten Fine Arts Exhibition, and he received the Ministry of International Trade and Industry Award at the Contemporary Japanese Traditional Ceramics Exhibition (Gendai Nihon Dento Togeiten). He became a member of the Contemporary Crafts Association and the Kyoto Art and Craft Artist Association. He also served as Director of the Kyoto Raku-yaki Research Group. **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Raku ware refers to low-fired ceramic ware first made in Kyoto by the Raku Family, its origins going as far back as the 16th century. It is traditionally characterised by being hand shaped rather than thrown. Raku is typically delicate, lightweight, and earthy to the touch. Aka (red) raku bowls are fired at 800 degrees, whilst the kuro (black) bowls can be fired up to 1200 degrees. The glaze for black bowls is made from crushed black stones retrieved from the Kamogawa River in Kyoto. Red bowls are coloured by adding translucent glaze over a pinkish clay body. When using raku bowls you should always wipe well with a warm cloth before use. It is possible to cause small cracks if you suddenly add boiling water.                                                                                                   

Sizes

Box:  H.9.4cm (3.7”) x 16.4cm (6.4”) x 16.4cm (6.4”)

Chawan:  H.5.4cm (2.1”) x Dia.13.7cm (5.3”)                                                                           

Condition

It’s in very good condition with no chips or cracks.                                                               

THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION                                                                 

**Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia:  NO SHIPPING.  Very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to these countries.  We have no plan to register at this time because the process is in some cases very expensive and complicated, plus each country has its own set of regulations and application process. 

**USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail ePacket (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail ePacket (please send us a message).

**Asia:  Airmail ePacket (approx. 15-21 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail ePacket (please send us a message).

**Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico:  EMS Express 10-15 days.

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.