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

This listing is for a splendid Raku hira chawan made around 20 years ago by Ito Keiraku from Katsura Gama. 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. The front of the bowl is decorated with hand-painted kingyo goldfish, and the interior features a water plant. This piece is a very pale blue colour and beautifully pleasant for the summer months. 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, and a Japanese language profile about the potter.  **PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CHASHAKU TEA SCOOP IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS LISTING.  

Ito Keiraku (b.1942) is a raku-ware potter and member of Katsura Gama in Kyoto.  Katsura Gama was established in 1953 in the Arashiyama district near the Katsura River. The founder of the kiln, Yorigami Sohaku, was originally a craftsman who produced roof tiles for temples and castles. In his spare time he dabbled in flowering arranging and tea, and this led to an interest in making teaware.  By 1953 he switched to teaware production and opened Katsura Gama, employing a young apprentice named Higaki Soraku.  Higaki married into the family and began to take students of his own, one of the first being Ito Keiraku back in 1957. Ito officially joined the kiln after his apprenticeship and has built a successful career as a teaware specialist.  His wares are sold at high end department stores across Japan, and he has held several solo exhibitions in the Kansai region. **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.10.3cm (4”) x 16.5cm (6.4”) x 16.5cm (6.4”)

Chawan:  H.6.2cm (2.4”) x Dia.13.2cm (5.1”)                                                                           

Condition

It’s in very good condition with no chips or cracks, the interior however is slightly seasoned with use.                                                                                                               

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.