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

This listing is for a Shigaraki-ware chawan made around 40 years ago by distinguished potter, Takahashi Rakusai IV.  This particular piece is called a Daibutsu chawan, Daibutsu being the Great Buddha housed in Todaiji Temple in Nara.  The Great Buddha was heavily damaged during several wars and disasters, but was gradually restored using donations collected by monks.  The last stage of restoration was the head, and a monk named Kokei Shonin was responsible for its restoration.  After the revival of the Great Buddha was complete, Kokei received a ‘Daibutsu’ chawan as a dedication from the ruling Mori clan located in the Choshu Domain.  He used the bowl when receiving guests who were close associates, and this was because the chawan had special significance due to his deep connection with Todaiji Temple.  These days potters create utsushi Daibutsu dedication bowls for special ceremonies, or for tea ceremonies involving more intimate groups of guests.  The interior of Daibutsu bowls are decorated with the kanji ‘dai’, which means big and is in reference to Daibutsu-san.  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 yellow wrapping cloth for when the item is not in use, as well as a Japanese language profile paper dated May 15^th, Showa 58 (1983).

The Takahashi family has the honour of being one of the original potter families in Shiga, the first being Takahashi Tozaemon in the 1830s. They are largely responsible for reviving the techniques and traditions that were almost lost from long ago, and in 1964 the third generation was designated as an Intangible Cultural Property. The Rakusai family is probably best known for their three landscapes effect – a combination of fire colour, scorch markings, and vitrified glass. Takahashi Rakusai IV (b.1925) is the fourth generation master of the Takahashi family kiln, taking over in 1976 after the third generation passed away. Rakusai IV trained under Rakusai III, and he became a master at wood firing. He held various solo exhibitions in Japan, as well as a solo exhibition in Los Angeles. He was certified as a Traditional Craftsman of Shiga Prefecture by the Japanese government, and he served as Chairman of the Shigaraki Ceramic Artists Association. The Takahashi kiln is now in its fifth generation and headed by Rakusai IV’s eldest son, Kozo (b.1954). **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and cannot be used in your own listings.

Shigaraki-ware refers to pottery made in Shiga Prefecture. Shigaraki is perhaps one of the more well-known types of stoneware with its origins dating back to the Kamakura period. The Shiga region is home to one of the six oldest kilns in Japan, and this is because of its superb clay. It has a reddish-orange colour, along with a natural ash glaze acquired from the deposit of ashes in the kilns. Pieces of quartz, feldspar or silica can often be found on the surface, giving Shigaraki a wonderful gritty texture and rustic charm. Historically potters produced wares specifically for the tea ceremony, however craftsmen gradually shifted to producing items such as vases and sake bottles as well.      

Sizes

Box:  H.10cm (3.9”) x 17.2cm (6.7”) x 17.2cm (6.7”)

Chawan:  H.6cm (2.3”) x Dia.14.8cm (5.8”)                                                                              

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:  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.