Vintage Japanese Chawan Tea Bowl, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0803-1

Vintage Japanese Chawan Tea Bowl, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0803-1

A boldly glazed stoneware chawan with geometric white slip medallions, iron-rich surfaces, and a signed tomobako -- a striking example of vintage Japanese ceramic craft.

A chawan is a traditional Japanese tea bowl used in the preparation and drinking of whisked matcha during the tea ceremony, known as chado. This handcrafted example displays the expressive, painterly spirit that defines some of the finest vintage Japanese ceramics of the Late Showa era. The exterior is covered in a deeply textured iron-red glaze -- matte, pitted, and richly warm -- punctuated by bold white slip panels bearing repeating geometric medallion motifs that wrap the body with graphic energy. The irregular, slightly undulating rim and robust cylindrical form give the bowl a confident, hand-worked presence. Inside, a cool blue-gray glaze pools across the wide base, creating a beautiful contrast against the warm exterior tones. The square-trimmed foot ring is left unglazed, revealing pale stoneware clay with visible spiral trimming marks -- a hallmark of careful hand-finishing. The bowl is presented in its original tomobako (signed wooden storage box), inscribed with the characters for "chawan" alongside the artist's name and red seal, adding provenance and collectible appeal to this piece of Japanese vintage ceramics.

Today this chawan makes a compelling statement far beyond the tea room. Display it on a living room shelf or mantelpiece as a wabi-sabi aesthetic accent -- its raw textures and earthy palette complement both minimalist decor and Japandi style interiors beautifully. The wide, stable form is equally suited as a small bowl for trinkets, rings, or rolled incense on a bedroom nightstand or home office desk. Collectors of vintage Japanese craft will appreciate the included tomobako, which elevates the piece into a fully documented objet d'art. It makes a distinctive housewarming gift or a thoughtful present for Japanophiles and ceramics enthusiasts who appreciate the quiet beauty of handmade Japanese pottery.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Stoneware ceramic; iron-rich reddish-brown glaze exterior with white slip geometric decoration; blue-gray glaze interior; unglazed square foot ring
• Use: Matcha tea bowl for Japanese tea ceremony (chado)
• Modern Use: Wabi-sabi decorative display piece; small catchall bowl for jewelry or trinkets on a nightstand or desk; collector's centerpiece in a Japandi or minimalist interior
• Features: Bold white slip medallion motifs on exterior; deeply pitted iron-red glaze with warm tonal variation; cool blue-gray pooled interior glaze; irregular hand-formed rim; square-trimmed unglazed foot with spiral trimming marks; accompanied by original signed tomobako wooden box with artist's brushwork inscription and red seal
• Dimensions: 4" Diameter x 3"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and characterful piece of vintage Japanese ceramic art -- this chawan brings the meditative beauty of the tea tradition 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 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.