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

This listing is for a Karatsu-ware chawan made around 30 years ago by Masuda Toukei.  It is wheel-thrown and the front is decorated with an open ‘enso’ circle.  An open circle, according to zen teaching, symbolises imperfection. When hand-drawn with one brush stroke, it expresses a moment when the mind is free.  This rim of the bowl was dipped in semi-transparent white glaze which as dripped down the sides of the bowl.  It has a beautiful smooth finish and a nice deep shape for whisking.  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 stamped turmeric coloured wrapping cloth for when the item is not in use, as well as a Japanese language profile paper. 

Masuda Toukei is a Karatsu-ware potter and current master of Enichi Gama.  Enichi Gama is located near Enichi Temple in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture, and the kiln specialises in Chosen Karatsu and hand-painted brushwork pieces.  Masuda’s white ash glaze is particularly milky in appearance, and this is achieved through reduction firings.  Moreover Masuda mixes his clay the same way 17^th century Ko-Karatsu potters did, which is a lot of sand with just a little iron.  Masuda primarily produces teaware and tableware, and he is best known for his skilful brushwork.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and cannot be used in your own listings.

Karatsu-ware is a style of pottery produced in and around Karatsu, Saga Prefecture, Japan. It’s known for its sturdiness and simple style. This type of pottery is made from clay high in iron and can be undecorated or decorated with an iron-based underglaze, giving an earthy, simple, and natural feeling to the pieces. Karatsu-ware features a rich variety of products, including rice bowls, plates, jars, vases and other general items for everyday living.

Sizes

Box:  H.12cm (4.7”) x 14.3cm (5.6”) x 14.3cm (5.6”)

Chawan:  H.8.2cm (3.2”) x Dia.11cm (4.3”)

Condition

The chawan is in very good condition with no chips or cracks, the box however is slightly spotty.

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.