Vintage item, never used. This Hagi-yaki (萩焼) matcha chawan is a refined example of traditional Japanese tea ceramics, crafted at the esteemed Hagiden Kiln (萩殿窯) and created by the master potter Issei Saitō (斉藤一斉)
His working kiln potter (窯元), producing functional but collectible — Hagi-ware for tea practitioners and enthusiasts. His works circulate among collectors and tea-field hobbyists rather than high-end art-collectors seeking “名品 (masterpieces).”
The bowl displays the soft, understated beauty for which Hagi ware is renowned: a gentle ash-gray glaze suffused with warm blush-pink fire marks (gohonte), forming natural circular patterns that emerge through the interaction of clay, glaze, and kiln atmosphere. These subtle color transitions deepen over time through use, a treasured characteristic known as Hagi no nanabake—the “seven transformations of Hagi.”
The chawan’s form is calm and well-balanced, with a slightly widening rim for comfortable whisking and a subtly raised foot that gives both stability and elegance in the hand.
It is housed in its original signed kiri-wood tomobako, bearing the bold calligraphy for “茶碗” (tea bowl) along with the kiln and artist’s inscription, and accompanied by the original descriptive booklet—confirming its authenticity and provenance.
