Gathering different wild clays from the north and southwest of France, Claire Landais-Sauvage formed this chawan in her palm, with meditative pushing and pulling of her fingers. Its half-cylinder shape and warm earthy reds recall the archetypal tea bowls made by Chojiro in 16th century Japan, a key inspiration for her work.

After a bisque firing, Landais-Sauvage added a thin layer of glaze made from ground oyster shells and flux. It was wood-fired in her Cranes kiln, but refused to vitrify. Removing the bowl from the flame, she discovered the glaze had acted instead like a slip, fusing completely with the clay body.

This chawan’s matte surface blushes on both sides as the soft greys dissolve into glowing orange. Austere and dry, it reminded Landais-Sauvage of a mountain landscape, beyond the timberline, where time slows and only rocks and minerals remain.

New from the artist’s studio. Comes with Landais-Sauvage’s written account of the tea bowl’s making.