Raku Kichizaemon is a master craftsman of Raku ware, a tradition that has been passed down in Kyoto since the Momoyama period. The lineage dates back to the first-generation Chōjirō, and whilst deeply rooted in the tea ceremony philosophy of Sen no Rikyū, the family has continued to produce tea bowls—primarily black and red Raku—through the generations. A distinctive feature of Raku ware is the technique of hand-moulding the clay—without the use of a potter’s wheel—and shaping each bowl individually by carving away excess clay. Whilst upholding tradition, successive generations have incorporated the sensibilities of their respective eras, expressing distinct individuality within the same Raku tea bowl.

When one stands before a Raku Kichizaemon tea bowl, the minimal ornamentation means that the shape, the texture of the clay and the subtle variations in the glaze leave a profound impression. The contours, which are not perfectly symmetrical, and the soft forms that bear the traces of the potter’s hands possess a deep warmth distinct from mechanical beauty. To me, Raku tea bowls are not merely objects to be admired; it is only when one picks them up and prepares tea that their beauty is truly realised. Simple yet profound, I believe they are one of the forms of pottery that most succinctly embody the tranquil spirituality sought by the Way of Tea.