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

This listing is for an aka raku-ware chawan made around 20-30 years ago. 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 has a patch of black colour, and this is due to the sudden drop in temperature when the bowl is removed from the kiln.   The stamp of the kiln can be found on the bottom, and it comes with a paper storage box.  *PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CHASEN TEA WHISK AND CHASHAKU TEA SCOOP ARE NOT INCLUDED.

Katsura Gama was founded in 1953 in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto near Katsura River. The founder of the kiln, Yorigami Munehaku, was originally a craftsman who produced roof tiles for temples and castles.  In his spare time he dabbled in 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 Tarugaki Muneraku.  Tarugaki married Yorigama’s daughter Seiko, and they had a daughter who also became a potter (Tarugaki I). Seiko became the second generation master after her father Yorigami passed away in 1982.  The family has held several exhibitions in Osaka, Hiroshima, Okayama, and Kyushu.  Their hand-painted teaware has been extremely popular since the 1980s and favoured by tea enthusiasts.  **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

Paper Box:  H.7cm (2.7”) x 15.7cm (6.1”) x 15.7cm (6.1”)

Chawan:  H.6.1cm (2.4”) x Dia.13.6cm (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 Small Packet (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

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

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

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.