Black Raku Chawan by Shōraku Sasaki — Pre-owned

Black Raku Chawan by Shōraku Sasaki — Pre-owned
With Box Inscription by Takahashi Etsudō, Former Priest of Daitoku-ji Temple
Inscribed “Zuiun” (Auspicious Cloud)

楽焼　佐々木松楽造　黒楽　茶碗
前大徳寺 高橋悦道 書付
銘：瑞雲

This black Raku tea bowl was crafted by Shōraku Sasaki, a respected Kyoto-based potter working in the tradition of Raku ware—an aesthetic deeply connected to the spirit of Japanese tea practice. Each piece is hand-formed rather than wheel-thrown, resulting in a soft, organic shape that sits naturally in the hands and encourages a quiet, contemplative experience.

The accompanying wooden box bears an inscription by Takahashi Etsudō, former priest of Daitoku-ji Temple, one of the most influential Zen temples in the world of chanoyu. His calligraphy adds both cultural depth and spiritual resonance, placing the piece within a meaningful lineage of tea tradition.

The bowl is given the poetic name Zuiun (“Auspicious Cloud”), a term symbolizing good fortune and the gentle emergence of clouds that signal positive beginnings. The deep black glaze, with its subtle tonal variations and soft sheen, enhances the quiet dignity of the form and embodies the wabi aesthetic—finding beauty in simplicity, imperfection, and depth.

This piece is offered in very good pre-owned condition and has been carefully preserved. It is well suited for use in tea gatherings and for collectors who value tea ware that reflects both refined craftsmanship and the spiritual heritage of Japanese tea culture.