Chawan (tea bowl) of Raku ware
Medium:Stoneware, Raku-type glaze
Geography: Kyoto, Japan
Date: late 18th - early 19th century
Period: Edo period
Object number: 944.16.14
Credit Line: Given in memory of my grandfather, the Late Sir William Van Horne
DescriptionVarious utensils are used throughout the course of a tea ceremony, which sometimes includes the serving of food before tea. While the art of tea lies in the harmony of the ensemble, individual utensils embody imaginative approaches to design. Utensils made originally for other purposes, or made abroad, are sometimes adapted for use in the tea ceremony, a practice called mitate.
Tea utensils are treated with care -- often first wrapped in fabric and stored in boxes made of paulownia wood. A treasured item is sometimes accompanied by multiple boxes which authenticate its provenance. This custom dates from the early 17th century when the maker or subsequent owners would write notes of authentication on the surface or back of the box lid.
