Yanashita Hideki began potting in Iga in the late 1990’s, eventually establishing his own Anagama wood-fired kiln. But when he met the important Shigaraki potter Sugimoto Sadamitsu (1935 - ) in 2007, his direction changed. Sugmioto encouraged Yanashita to explore the archetypal Raku wares of the 16th century masters Chojiro and Koetsu. Since then Sugimoto has acted as mentor to Yanashita, and together they continue to explore the Zen spirit of wabi tea wares.

In true Raku tradition, foregoing the wheel, Yanashita hand-formed this red chawan using Raku clay from Kyoto. After a bisque firing, he applied his own glaze and then fired the bowl to 930 degrees in a compact, charcoal-fuelled kiln. About only 30 minutes later, the chawan was removed from the kiln to let cool in the open.

Its semi-cylinder, round-waisted body sits on top of a very low, nearly impressed foot. Like an opening flower or ripe persimmon, the bowl's hip is so full it almost touches the table. Its shape resembles the empty space been two cupped hands - the gesture of both offering and acceptance epitomizing the tea ceremony.

When used, the red Raku glaze will complement the matcha’s green: red will become deeper and riper, and green will appear even more fresh and alive. In summer, this bowl might evoke the season's overflowing fullness. But in winter, it conjures the warmth and solace in human connection.

New from the artist’s studio. Comes with the signed, stamped, and titled wood box, stamped wrapping cloth, and CV.