Raku Matcha Bowl by Sasaki Shōraku With Zen Calligraphy by Takahashi Etsudō, Former Abbot of Daitoku-ji

This Black Raku matcha bowl (kuro-raku chawan) was crafted by Sasaki Shōraku, a maker working within the tradition of Raku ware, long cherished in the Japanese tea ceremony for its intimate connection between hand, clay, and spirit.

The bowl is accompanied by an original hakogaki (box inscription) written by Takahashi Etsudō, former abbot of Daitoku-ji, one of Kyoto’s most revered Zen temples. Such calligraphy places the piece firmly within the spiritual and cultural lineage of chanoyu.

The chawan bears the name “Senshin 洗心” (Purifying the Heart), a Zen phrase that expresses the act of cleansing one’s mind through quiet reflection. In the context of the tea ceremony, it speaks to the moment of stillness created when preparing and receiving a bowl of tea—an opportunity to set aside distraction and return to clarity.

Black Raku tea bowls are especially valued for their deep, absorbing glaze and gentle warmth when held in the hands, qualities that invite introspection and calm. The subtly irregular form reflects the wabi aesthetic, where beauty is found in restraint and quiet presence.

This piece is offered in very good pre-owned condition, having been carefully preserved. It is well suited for use in tea gatherings as well as for collectors who appreciate Zen-inscribed Raku ware with depth, history, and contemplative beauty.

A dignified Black Raku chawan that unites craftsmanship, Zen philosophy, and the timeless spirit of the Japanese tea ceremony.