Vintage Japanese Chawan Tea Bowl, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-850 (26M-850-3)

Japanese Chawan Tea Bowl | Vintage Decorative Bowl & Desk Accent, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-850-3

A hand-painted sometsuke porcelain bowl dressed in cobalt blue landscapes, fans, and chrysanthemums -- quiet poetry in ceramic form.

A chawan is a traditional Japanese tea bowl used in the chado (way of tea) ceremony to prepare and drink matcha, and fine examples like this one have been treasured as collector's pieces in their own right. This Late Showa-era bowl is rendered in the classic sometsuke style -- cobalt blue underglaze decoration on a crisp white porcelain body -- a tradition with deep roots in Japanese ceramic history, drawing inspiration from Chinese blue-and-white ware while developing a distinctly Japanese sensibility. The exterior carries two distinct decorative panels: one side presents a serene mountain landscape with rocks and a bare-branched tree, while the other features an open folding fan filled with detailed chrysanthemum blossoms, with swirling cloud or wave motifs connecting the scenes. A fine iron-brown (kuchibeni) rim line circles the lip, a hallmark of quality Japanese porcelain workmanship. The interior is left in a luminous undecorated white, allowing the glaze to glow with the clean, reflective quality that marks well-fired porcelain. This is a handcrafted Japanese tea utensil of genuine charm and artisanal care.

Beyond the tea ceremony, this beautifully proportioned bowl is a natural fit for contemporary living spaces. Its compact, wide-mouthed form makes it an elegant catch-all on an entryway console or bedroom dresser -- ideal for rings, small treasures, or folded notes. On a home office desk it serves as a refined vessel for paper clips or a single small succulent. Displayed on a shelf or coffee table, its blue-and-white palette complements Japandi style and minimalist decor effortlessly, adding a wabi-sabi aesthetic warmth without clutter. It also makes a thoughtful and unique gift for collectors, tea enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates vintage Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: White porcelain with cobalt blue underglaze (sometsuke); iron-brown kuchibeni rim detail
• Use: Chawan -- tea ceremony bowl for preparing and drinking matcha
• Modern Use: Decorative catch-all dish on an entryway console or dresser; desk accent or small planter for a succulent; living room display piece in a Japandi or minimalist interior
• Features: Hand-painted sometsuke decoration with mountain landscape and folding fan with chrysanthemum motifs; swirling cloud or wave accents; iron-brown rim line (kuchibeni); wide open mouth with gently rounded walls; clean undecorated white interior with high-gloss glaze; low footed base
• Dimensions: 5 1/2" Diameter x 2 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A timeless piece of vintage Japanese porcelain that brings the quiet elegance of the tea ceremony into any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage and antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.