Japanese "Madara E-Garatsu" Matcha Chawan Tea Bowl

This ceremonial chawan tea bowl is an exquisite specimen of Japanese "Madara Karatsu" style of pottery. Karatsu ware, known for its rustic, earthy aesthetic, is one of the 3 prized pottery styles for tea ceremony, officially designated by Sen no Rikyū, the legendary tea master. This specimen features E-garatsu freehand art with a Madara Karatsu glazing technique. Madara Karatsu is a distinctive style within Karatsu ware, celebrated for its natural, earthy aesthetic that features a white slip glaze over a dark clay body, creating a mottled or spotted appearance reminiscent of "madara" (斑), meaning "speckled" or "spotted" in Japanese. 

Originating from the Saga Prefecture in Japan in the late 16th century, Karatsu pottery emerged during Japan's invasion of Korea (1592–1598), when Korean potters were brought to Kyushu Island of Japan, influencing local techniques. 

Exceedingly rare, the Madara style of Karatsu makes this tea bowl truly special as very few potters maintain the Karatsu tradition in modern times - especially the Madara technique.