AKA RAKU Matcha Bowl By Shōraku Sasaki Pre-owned

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

This Aka Raku (red Raku) tea bowl was crafted by Shōraku Sasaki, a ceramic artist working within the esteemed Raku tradition—long treasured in the Japanese tea ceremony for its direct hand-forming process and intimate dialogue between clay, fire, and spirit.

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

The chawan bears the title “Kotobuki” (寿), meaning “Longevity” or “Felicity.” The word *kotobuki* conveys auspicious blessings, celebration, and wishes for a long and peaceful life. In the context of the tea ceremony, it reflects a spirit of gratitude, harmony, and continued prosperity—sentiments often associated with joyful gatherings and meaningful occasions.

Aka Raku tea bowls are admired for their warm, earthy red tones and soft, tactile surface. When held, they offer a gentle warmth that enhances the contemplative experience of tea. The subtly irregular form embodies the wabi aesthetic, where beauty is found in natural variation, restraint, and quiet 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 as well as for collectors who value Zen-inscribed Raku ware that unites craftsmanship, auspicious symbolism, and the timeless spirit of the Japanese tea ceremony.