A substantial tenmoku-form chawan with a lustrous iron-rich glaze, dense silver-brown hare's-fur mottling, and its inscribed wooden storage box.

Listing Description

CHW-672 is a wheel-thrown tenmoku-form tea bowl made in the Japanese studio-ceramic tradition and inspired by Chinese Jian ware. The steep conical walls, slightly everted rim, small foot, and dark iron-rich glaze are characteristic of the tenmoku family. Fine silver-gray and warm russet markings radiate through the darker ground, producing a hare's-fur effect rather than the larger round crystals associated with classic oil-spot glaze.

The box title appears to read 銀毫盞, approximately 'silver hare's-fur bowl.' The longer inscription reads 安宅英一旧蔵, 'formerly in the collection of Eiichi Ataka.' The bowl is therefore cataloged with Eiichi Ataka provenance, recorded on its wooden storage box. The impressed mark on the foot is visible but not securely read. No individual potter or kiln should be named without a confirmed comparison.

Specifications

Aesthetic and Use

The glaze moves from warm reddish brown at the lip to a deep black-brown well, with dense metallic-looking flecks that become more apparent as the bowl turns in the light. Its compact foot and balanced conical body give it a firm, composed presence suitable for usucha or display as an example of modern tenmoku revival work.

Box and Mark

The box title appears to read 銀毫盞, approximately 'silver hare's-fur bowl.' The longer inscription reads 安宅英一旧蔵, 'formerly in the collection of Eiichi Ataka.' The bowl is therefore cataloged with Eiichi Ataka provenance, recorded on its wooden storage box. The impressed mark on the foot is visible but not securely read. No individual potter or kiln should be named without a confirmed comparison.