Vintage Japanese Kuro Chawan (Black Tea Bowl), Heisei era (1990-2018) | SKU: 26J-0650

Vintage Japanese Kuro Chawan (Black Tea Bowl), Heisei era (1990-2018) | SKU: 26J-0650

A signed artist's kuro chawan with deeply textured black glaze, presented in its original tomobako wooden box -- a refined piece of Japanese ceramic craft for the tea ceremony collector.

A chawan is a traditional Japanese tea bowl used in the chado tea ceremony to prepare and drink matcha. The kuro chawan -- literally "black tea bowl" -- holds a special place in Japanese ceramic culture, prized for the way its deep, absorptive glaze heightens the vivid green of whisked matcha. This hand-formed example is covered in a thick, richly textured black glaze that shifts between matte and subtly glossy surfaces across the body, catching light in a characteristically irregular way valued in wabi-sabi aesthetics. The slightly squared, free-form rim and compact cylindrical silhouette reflect a practiced hand-building technique consistent with traditions influenced by Raku-style ceramics. A small impressed artist seal is visible on the base, and the bowl is accompanied by its original wooden tomobako box, whose lid bears brushed calligraphy identifying the piece as a "kuro chawan" along with a red seal stamp -- hallmarks of a named-artist presentation piece in Japanese vintage craft.

In the modern home, this kuro chawan is as striking to display as it is to use. Its deep matte-to-glossy black surface and sculptural form make it a natural living room accent or Japandi-style shelf object alongside ceramics, stones, or botanical arrangements. It functions beautifully as a matcha bowl for daily use, bringing a meditative, wabi-sabi quality to a morning ritual. The included tomobako adds collector appeal and display value, making this a standout unique gift for Japanophiles or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese ceramics. Placed on a minimalist desk or tea tray, it brings quiet drama to any setting.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1990-2018 (Heisei)
• Material: Hand-formed stoneware with thick black glaze; original kiri wood (paulownia) tomobako with brushed calligraphy and red artist seal
• Use: Matcha tea ceremony bowl (chawan) for chado practice
• Modern Use: Daily matcha or drinking bowl; decorative living room or shelf accent in wabi-sabi or Japandi style; unique gift for tea ceremony enthusiasts or ceramic collectors
• Features: Deeply textured black glaze with matte and subtly glossy variation; hand-formed irregular rim with slightly squared profile; small circular foot ring; impressed artist seal on base; presented in original tomobako wooden box with brushed lid inscription and red seal stamp
• Dimensions: 4 3/4"W x 4 3/4"D x 3 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully crafted piece of Japanese vintage ceramic art -- this kuro chawan brings the quiet depth of the tea ceremony tradition 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.