Man's hands close up holding Aichi Japanese kutsugata matcha chawan tea bowl - handcrafted pottery front view
Man drinking from a Japanese ceremonial matcha chawan tea bowl, Japanese kutsugata pottery, handcrafted, bottom view, palm trees tropical background
Aichi Japanese matcha chawan tea bowl - handcrafted pottery front view with artist's signed kiribako box
Close up Aichi Japanese matcha chawan tea bowl side profile artisanal clay texture detail
Japanese matcha kutsugata chawan tea bowl top view organic handmade shape, asymmetrical tea bowl from Aichi, Japan
Handcrafted Japanese matcha kutsugata chawan tea bowl from Aichi, Japan, top view organic handmade shape, blue background, angled view
Handcrafted Japanese matcha kutsugata chawan tea bowl from Aichi, Japan, beautiful white and black drip glaze, blue background, front view
Close up of artist's signature on handcrafted Japanese matcha kutsugata chawan tea bowl from Aichi, Japan, beautiful white and black drip glaze, dark brown sandy clay, bottom view

Japanese "Toki" Kutsugata Chawan Tea Bowl with Signed Box

$314.99
Quantity:

This is no ordinary matcha tea bowl used for Japanese tea ceremony. This "wabi sabi" chawan is particularly unique among tea ceremony chawan in two distinct ways: The glaze on this bowl, notable for its fine speckled details evoking snow falling from the sky, is exceedingly rare among tea ceremony chawan and difficult to reproduce. Furthermore, its unique "kutsugata" shape is uncommon in tea ceremony, making this tea bowl special and suitable for collectors of rare Japanese tea ware. This tea bowl is handmade by skilled pottery artist Mr. Yu Ito (伊藤 裕) in Aichi, Japan.

The kutsugata form — meaning “clog shape” — is inspired by the gentle curves of traditional Japanese wooden clogs (geta) or straw sandals. Slightly asymmetrical, with a soft, triangular oval rim, this tea bowl offers a dynamic, organic feel when held that contrasts with the perfect circle of a standard chawan.

The interior of this bowl features a dramatic, dark central band, evoking the fleeting moment when time passes over a scene — like the shadow of a cloud or the shifting of light. Fittingly named “時” (Toki), meaning “time,” the bowl invites host and guest alike to reflect on the present moment. The meaning of this design is to particularly savor the tea ceremony cherished philosophy of "ichi-go ichi-e" (one time, one meeting).

The high contrast glaze, inspired by Seto and Tokoname traditions, is distinctly Mr. Ito’s own style, making the vivid green of matcha stand out brilliantly during "otemae" (matcha tea preparation). Ideal for both traditional tea gatherings and modern display, this chawan captures movement, spontaneity, and the timeless beauty of Japanese ceramics.

This 2000s-era chawan comes in excellent mint condition, with both the bowl and its wooden storage box (kiribako) signed by the artist, ensuring authenticity.