Vintage Momiji Raku-yaki Chawan by Famous Potter Rakunyu Yoshimura

This is a Japanese tea bowl of Raku Ware made by famous potter, the 2nd Rakunyu Yoshimura about 20 years ago

The seal of the kiln in stamped on the base of the bowl. This chawan comes in the oroginal box with signature of the kiln included.

Motifs of Momiji maple leaves are painted around the body and inside the bowl.   

• Approx 20 years old
• White blue brush glaze
• Size: approx 12cm diameter | 8cm height 
• Kiln stamp at the base of the bowl 

For 15 generations it has been the title and seal used by a lineage of potters whose work formed the central tradition in Japan. This lineage believes that 'Raku' refers to the potters who use the technique, not the technique itself.

In 16th century, the first of these potters, Chojiro is said to have come under the patronage of the famous father of tea ceremony, tea master , Sen-No-Rikyu. 

According to legend, in 1598, the ruler, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, after Chojiro's death in 1592, bestowed upon his adopted son, Jokei, a golden seal with the written symbol "raku." 

Both the name and the ceramic style have been passed down through the family to the present day. After the publication of a manual in the 18th century, raku ware was also made by numerous workshops in and around Kyoto by both professional and amateur potters around Japan.

Raku ware marked an important point in the historical development of Japanese ceramics, as it is the first style of pottery to use a seal mark and the first to focus on close collaboration between potter and patron.