Teabowl 1710 - 1730

This "Teabowl" (1710-1730) was created by the acclaimed Japanese potter Ichigen (1622-1722). The black, subtly textured glaze, characteristic of Raku ware, gives the teabowl a rustic and understated beauty. The irregular, slightly rounded form reflects the aesthetic principles of wabi-sabi, which values imperfection and the beauty of natural materials. This teabowl, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a prime example of the artistry of Japanese tea ceremony, where such vessels play a significant role.