Quietly imperfect and deeply evocative, this hand-thrown Hagi ware chawan reflects the essence of wabi-sabi — the Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in asymmetry, impermanence, and the marks of making. Soft washes of blush, cream, and earth-toned glaze drift organically across the bowl’s surface, while the gently uneven rim and tactile form invite a slower, more contemplative ritual.
The bowl reveals the spontaneity and honesty prized in traditional Japanese studio pottery. The base is especially compelling: deliberately hand-cut with an irregular foot that gives the piece a grounded, sculptural presence. A small kiln glazing flaw on the underside — where the glaze pulled away during firing — serves not as a distraction, but as a reminder of the unpredictable dialogue between clay, fire, and artist. These subtle imperfections are central to the spirit of Hagi ware, where character and authenticity are valued above precision.
Traditionally used in the Japanese tea ceremony for preparing matcha, this one-of-a-kind chawan carries a quiet warmth that deepens with time and use. Like all Hagi ware, the porous clay will gradually absorb tea, developing a unique patina known as the “seven transformations of Hagi,” allowing the bowl to evolve beautifully alongside its owner.
With original box or 'tomobako' with artist's signature 'Ei'. Size: 3 1/2: H x 4 1/2: W
