Vintage item, never used. This Hakeme (刷毛目) matcha bowl captures the expressive beauty of brush-applied slip, a technique cherished in Japanese tea ceramics for its immediacy and natural rhythm. The bowl’s surface is animated by horizontal brushstrokes of pale slip, swiftly and confidently applied over a darker, iron-rich clay body. These soft, milky bands vary in thickness and opacity, allowing the earthy tone beneath to emerge and recede in an organic, painterly flow.
The form is gently rounded and well-proportioned, offering a comforting weight and balance when held in the hands. A subtle notch at the rim adds a quiet point of character, emphasizing the handmade nature of the piece and giving the bowl a subtle sense of orientation when viewed or used in tea practice. Inside, the glaze pools softly, revealing faint throwing lines that guide the eye toward the center, where whisking naturally gathers.
The foot is left unglazed, exposing warm reddish clay that grounds the bowl visually and physically. This contrast between the brushed slip and raw clay enhances the tactile experience and reflects the wabi-sabi sensibility central to the tea ceremony—beauty found in imperfection, movement, and restraint.
Overall, this Hakeme chawan conveys a sense of spontaneity and calm coexistence. It feels both dynamic and humble, making it a compelling tea bowl that rewards close observation and deepens in character with continued use.
