*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 chawan made around 20 years ago by noted potter, Nishimura Ichiraku.  It is hand-turned and features a thick transparent white overglaze flowing down from the rim.  The overglaze creates depth on the surface and it also adds visual interest to the piece.  The stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom, and it comes with a signed wooden storage box.  It also comes with a yellow wrapping cloth for when the item is not in use.  *PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CHASEN TEA WHISK IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS LISTING. 

Nishimura Ichiraku (b.1951) is a Kyo-ware potter who works out of Hoen Gama in the mountainous area of Ayabe city in Kyoto Prefecture. In 1973 he began studying under Deguchi Naoe and Ono Kyugyo. In 1980 he became independent and Deguchi bestowed upon him the name ‘Ichiraku’. He is a full time member of the Kyoto Ceramic Art Association, and his teaware is highly sought after by those who belong to the school of Urasenke.  **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.12cm (4.7”) x 15cm (5.9”) x 15cm (5.9”)

Chawan:  H.7.9cm (3.1”) x Dia.12cm (4.7”)                                                                              

Condition

It’s in very good condition with no chips or cracks, the exterior of the box however is slightly discoloured.                                                                                                               

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:  EMS Express (approx. 7-15 days).  Combined shipping available (please send us a message) but please note that the price does not get cheaper for Airmail or EMS, in fact it becomes more expensive.  If you want to save money and don't mind a very long 3 month wait, request sea mail (11-12 weeks depending on processing and backlogs at destination ports). Inexpensive Airmail Small Packet option unavailable.

**UK and Canada:  EMS Express (approx. 7-15 days).  Combined shipping available (please send us a message) but please note that the price does not get cheaper for EMS, in fact it becomes more expensive.  If you want to save money and don't mind a very long 3 month wait, request sea mail (11-12 weeks depending on processing and backlogs at destination ports). Inexpensive Airmail Small Packet and regular Airmail is currently unavailable.

**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).

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.