Antique Japanese Tanba Ware Tea Bowl Edo Period Wabi Sabi Mitate Chawan Amber

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Antique Japanese Tanba Ware Tea Bowl | Edo Period | Wabi Sabi Mitate Chawan | Amber Glaze

Description:

Overview This is a powerful example of an antique Japanese tea bowl (Chawan), attributed to Tanba Ware (or a related kiln in Western Japan) from the Edo Period (approx. 17th–19th century).

Originally born as a utilitarian vessel (Zoki) for everyday use, this bowl was later selected by a tea practitioner who recognized its "Wabi-Sabi" beauty—a practice known as Mitate (repurposing objects for the tea ceremony). While it possesses the rough, energetic character reminiscent of medieval Muromachi pottery, the technical features suggest it is a genuine piece of folk craftsmanship from the Edo era.

Aesthetics & Features

• Glaze: The bowl is coated in a rich, caramel-colored amber glaze (Ame-yu). The surface features a "mandarin orange peel" texture and glaze pooling, created by a rapid, unpretentious dipping method.

• Clay: The foot ring reveals coarse, iron-rich dark clay, characteristic of the Tanba region.

• Shape: Strong, rhythmic throwing lines (Rokuro-me) encircle the body, showcasing the speed and vitality of the potter's hand.

• The "Snake's Eye": The interior features circular stacking marks (Ja-no-me) from the kiln firing process. Originally a sign of mass production for commonware, this detail is highly prized in the tea context as a scenic landscape of the bowl.

Condition

• Repair: There is a visible, traditional repair along the rim. It appears to be a lacquer or metallic powder repair (Kintsugi style) covering chips on the mouth. This restoration reflects the bowl's history of being treasured and used for tea over generations.

• Wear: There are signs of age-related wear, firing imperfections, and kiln grit adhesions. These are not defects but legitimate characteristics of its age and origin as a folk vessel.

Size

• Height: 6.8 cm

• Diameter: 14 cm

• Weight: 330 g

Note to Buyers Please understand that this item was not originally fired as a high-ranking formal tea bowl, but rather as a "people's vessel" that ascended to the tea room through the aesthetics of Mitate. Its value lies in its material honesty, its history of use, and its wild, unrefined beauty.

Please review the photos carefully to confirm the condition and details.