Antique Japanese E-Karatsu Chawan Tea Bowl Edo Period Kintsugi Repair Wooden Box

This is an antique Japanese E-Karatsu (painted Karatsu ware) chawan, a traditional ceramic tea bowl believed to date from the Edo period, approximately the late 17th to 18th century. It comes with a wooden storage box bearing a handwritten paper label identifying it as an E-Karatsu tea bowl.

The bowl has a gently flaring shape with a warm, earthy grayish-beige glaze. Its surface features bold, spontaneous iron-oxide brushstrokes characteristic of traditional E-Karatsu ware. The simple yet expressive decoration, subtle glaze variations, and natural clay texture give the bowl a rustic appearance associated with Japanese tea ceremony aesthetics.

The raised, unglazed foot reveals a coarse reddish-brown clay body with visible granular texture and traditional trimming marks. The glaze varies naturally across the surface, with areas of fine crazing and subtle discoloration.

A distinctive feature of this bowl is the extensive kintsugi-style restoration. Several cracks have been repaired with gold-colored lines extending across the interior and exterior. These repairs have become part of the bowl's visual character, reflecting the Japanese tradition of appreciating the history and imperfections of an object.

The precise materials and age of the repairs have not been verified.

Features

• Estimated Period: Edo period, approximately late 17th–18th century

• Ware: E-Karatsu (painted Karatsu ware)

• Decoration: Hand-painted iron-oxide brushwork

• Glaze: Grayish-beige glaze with natural variations and crazing

• Clay Body: Coarse reddish-brown clay visible around the unglazed foot

• Restoration: Multiple cracks with kintsugi-style, gold-colored repairs

• Accessories: Wooden storage box with handwritten paper label

Dimensions

Tea Bowl

• Height: 8.0 cm / 3.15 in

• Diameter: 14.3 cm / 5.63 in

• Weight: 335 g / 0.74 lb

Wooden Box

• Height: 10.0 cm / 3.94 in

• Width: 19.0 cm / 7.48 in

• Depth: 19.0 cm / 7.48 in

Condition

The bowl is in antique condition, showing signs of age, use, and restoration.

There are multiple significant cracks that have been repaired with gold-colored kintsugi-style lines. The repairs are clearly visible on both the interior and exterior.

The ceramic surface also exhibits natural glaze irregularities, fine crazing, discoloration, and age-related wear.

The wooden storage box shows scratches, surface wear, and natural discoloration consistent with age.

The bowl is recommended for collection and decorative display rather than food or drink use.

Please carefully examine all photographs for details of its condition and restoration.