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Raku (raku-yaki) is a low-fired ceramic ware
first produced by Sasaki Chojirō (d. 1592) in the 16th century in Kyoto.
Under the encouragement and patronage of his close friend, tea master Sen no Rikyū,
he crafted a style of bowl which was devoid of any decoration or sense
of movement. They were made to embody Rikyū's wabi-cha
philosophy - that is, tea ceremony in which great emphasis is
placed on simplicity, austerity and quiet appreciation.
Although the appellation "Raku" is reserved for those works made by
Chojirō and his successors, the term is used by a number of contemporary Japanese potters who
adhere to the same forming, glazing and firing techniques.
Sawada Hiroyuki is one who stands out among them. An artist with over 35 years of experience crafting
ceramic wares for tea ceremony, Mr. Sawada specializes in raku-yaki
and strives to create bowls with the same sense of presence as those
made by the early Raku masters.
In this piece, we see the
influence of Sonyu V (1664 -1716). During his time, a highly decorative
style of painting and ceramics, called the Rinpa school, was growing
in influence in Kyoto. While many distinguished artists subscribed to the
expressive new style, Sonyu continued to pursue more non-decorative
bowls, and the body of his work is most defined by a dry, matte glaze called
kasé.
Kasé is an exceedingly difficult
technique to master, forming at point
where temperature, air pressure and a multitude of chemical reactions
must all be in perfect harmony. Bowls which are taken out of the
kiln at this uncharted intersection possess a surface texture likened
to a garden stone beautifully weathered by time.
The bowl is formed entirely by hand, without the aid of a potter's
wheel, in a meticulous process which negates any sense of mechanical
precision. In the absence of color or decorative elements, it
communicates with the viewer on a more abstract and
subconscious level. A sense of monolithic strength is
immediately perceptible in its squared, cylindrical body, yet
restrained by the soft curvature of the rim. Grace and balance
are conveyed at the base where the weight of the piece comes to rest
squarely upon the footring. When filled with the verdant color of whipped
matcha, the contrasting colors strike a harmonious balance,
transforming the bowl into a contemplative piece reminiscent of a Zen
garden.
See
Sawada Hiroyuki's
2009 Hankyu exhibition for more works from his recent collection.
A wooden presentation box will be custom made to order and signed by
the artist. Delivery time for this item is 3 weeks.
Raku bowls are intended solely
for the preparation of matcha green tea.
See
raku
glazing safety for more
information.
A display cloth (fukusa) is included.
special raku care
instructions |
