Vintage Japanese Kuro Raku Chawan, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0326-3

Vintage Japanese Kuro Raku Chawan, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0326-3

A hand-formed kuro Raku chawan with dramatic black and deep red glaze -- presented in its original signed tomobako storage box.

A chawan is the central vessel of the Japanese tea ceremony (chado), and the kuro Raku -- or black Raku -- style is among the most revered of all chawan traditions, prized for its meditative depth and wabi-sabi aesthetic. This hand-built stoneware bowl displays all the hallmarks of quality Raku-style craftsmanship: a low, softly rounded form shaped entirely by hand rather than on the wheel, an irregular rim that invites a natural grip, and a broad flat foot ring left unglazed to reveal the pale sandy clay beneath. The exterior carries a richly textured black glaze that pools and shifts across the surface, interrupted by a striking sweep of deep red-brown glaze -- a beni (red) Raku influence -- that adds warmth and visual drama. The interior is glazed in deep glossy black, creating the ideal dark ground against which the vivid green of whisked matcha is traditionally displayed. An impressed potter's seal is visible on the base, and the tomobako (wooden storage box) is inscribed in brushwork with "Kuro Raku Chawan" alongside a maker's name reading approximately "Matsunaga," along with additional dedicatory inscriptions -- lending this piece genuine collector provenance. This is a fine example of vintage Japanese ceramic craft made in the Raku tradition.

In a modern home, this kuro chawan is far more than a functional tea vessel -- it is a sculptural object with presence. Set it on a shelf or console as a living room accent to anchor a Japandi-style or wabi-sabi inspired vignette. Use it as a striking desk organizer for small items such as rings, clips, or stones, bringing the quiet philosophy of chado into a home office or bedroom. It also makes a deeply meaningful gift for collectors, tea enthusiasts, or anyone drawn to Japanese vintage ceramics -- a unique housewarming gift or gift for Japanophiles who appreciate authentic handcrafted Japanese craft with documented provenance. The tomobako box is itself a beautiful display piece, its brushed inscriptions adding a layer of scholarly elegance to any shelf arrangement.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Hand-built stoneware clay; black Raku-style glaze with deep red-brown (beni) glaze patches on exterior; glossy black-glazed interior; wide unglazed sandy foot ring; kiri (paulownia) wood tomobako storage box with braided silk cord
• Use: Matcha preparation and drinking in the Japanese tea ceremony (chado)
• Modern Use: Matcha bowl for daily tea practice; decorative wabi-sabi accent for living room or bedroom shelf; desk organizer or jewelry catch-all dish
• Features: Hand-formed irregular rim; richly textured black glaze with striking beni (red-brown) glaze patches on exterior; deeply glossy black-glazed interior; wide flat unglazed foot ring; impressed potter's seal on base; tomobako box inscribed "Kuro Raku Chawan" with maker name and additional brushwork inscriptions; braided silk cord closure on box
• Dimensions: 4 1/2"Diameter x 3 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A compelling piece of vintage Japanese ceramic craft -- this kuro Raku chawan, with its tomobako provenance and wabi-sabi depth, brings the soul of the Japanese tea ceremony into any modern home or collection.

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.