Kuro Raku Matcha Bowl by Kawasaki Waraku — Pre-owned

Kuro Raku Matcha Bowl by Kawasaki Waraku — Pre-owned
With Inscription by Hasegawa Kanshū, Former Abbot of Daitoku-ji

This Kuro Raku Matcha bowl was crafted by Kawasaki Waraku, an artist working within the long-cherished Raku tradition of Japanese tea ceramics. Raku ware is especially valued in chanoyu for its hand-formed character and the intimate relationship it creates between the maker’s touch, the clay, and the fire.

The accompanying wooden box bears an inscription by Hasegawa Kanshū, former abbot of Daitoku-ji, one of Kyoto’s most esteemed Zen temples. Such a hakogaki places the piece within the spiritual and cultural lineage of the tea ceremony and Zen practice.

The bowl is titled “Zuiun” (瑞雲), meaning “Auspicious Clouds.” In Japanese and Buddhist symbolism, auspicious clouds are considered signs of good fortune and positive energy. The name evokes a sense of harmony, prosperity, and blessings, making the tea bowl not only a functional tea utensil but also a meaningful object imbued with spiritual significance.

Black Raku bowls are admired for their deep, rich tones and the soft, tactile warmth they convey when held in the hands. The subtly irregular form reflects the wabi aesthetic, where beauty is found in natural simplicity, quiet depth, and the passage of time.

This piece is offered in very good pre-owned condition and has been carefully preserved. It is suitable both for use in tea gatherings and for collectors who appreciate Zen-inscribed Raku ware that embodies good fortune, tranquility, and the contemplative spirit of chanoyu.