Tea bowl (chawan) c. 20th century

This ceramic tea bowl, or chawan, was crafted by the Japanese artist Ishida Chihiro in the 20th century. The chawan is a traditional Japanese tea ceremony vessel used for whisking matcha powder. This particular piece features a rough, textured surface with a subtle off-white glaze, showcasing a rustic aesthetic. Its simple design and functionality represent the principles of wabi-sabi, a Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in imperfections and the passage of time. The bowl is currently on display at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.