A Red Raku Tea Bowl w/ Painted Chrysanthemum by Raku Konyu (12)


Artist:Raku Konyu (12th generation)Era:MeijiPrice:SoldInquire:info@shirakuragallery.com

This iconic tea bowl was crafted by one of the great masters of Japanese pottery and given the poetic name “Dewdrop” by a famous tea master of the Omote-senke school of tea. The Chrysanthemum flowers (Kiku) depicted on the front of the bowl are auspicious symbols of longevity and rejuvenation in Japan. When first introduced to the island nation during the Nara period (710-793 AC) the Japanese Royal Family was fascinated with this enigmatic flower. Eventually, during the passing of the years, the Chrysanthemum became the Imperial Family Emblem and, up until modern times, was forbidden to be depicted on works of art outside of the royal household.

Apart from being expertly formed and bestowed with symbolic imagery, this piece has the added distinction of being created by Raku Konyu (1857-1932), the eldest son of the 11th Kichizaemon of the Raku line of potters – the most noted and celebrated tradition of pottery within the world of Japanese tea. One of Konyu’s finest and most iconic creations, this tea bowl highlights his honed sense of proportion, tactility, and color balance.

In excellent antique condition this piece is 4.3 inches (11 cm) in diameter and stands 2.75 inches (7 cm) tall. It comes with its original box signed and sealed by Raku Kichizaemon Konyu. His seal can also be seen impressed into the side of the bowl in two places and the base is signed with characters that read “made by Raku 12.” In addition to the excellent documentation by the creator, it has the endorsement of the 12th generation Iemoto (tea master) of the Omote-senke school of tea, Seisai (1863-1937).