KOETSU'S TEPPEKI | by Sasaki Kyoshitsu, Kiraigama #7

This bowl, crafted by Shokunin Sasaki Kyoshitsu (intangible cultural heritage of Kyoto) is a recreation of a chawan that has particular meaning in Japanese history.  

Kōetsu's Teppeki  |   Chawan #7

鉄壁    |   光悦   

The name Teppeki ("Iron Wall") originates from the bowl’s interior, where the carved texture resembles a sheer cliff face, evoking a sense of rugged solidity.

According to the accompanying inscriptions, this tea bowl was brought by Kōetsu to a tea gathering hosted by Sōtan and was gifted to him on that occasion. The bowl later passed into the possession of Ichiu and was subsequently handed down within the Kankyū-an lineage. From Jikisai Sōshū, it was transferred to Kaiden Dōsan before eventually making its way to Edo.

Unfortunately, the tea bowl was lost during the Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923 (Taishō 12).

Shokunin Sasaki Kyoshitsu, intangible cultural heritage of Kyoto

佐々木虚室 (Sasaki Kyoshitsu)  was born in Showa 39 (1964), in Kyoto, to a well known family of ceramic artisans.  A brief timeline of his life:

Chojiro's Mukiguri

This bowl is a stunning replica of a famous tea bowl called Mukiguri (ムキ栗), created by the first Raku master (長次郎 Chojiro). The original bowl belonged to Sen No Rikyu and was reportedly one of his favourites.  Holding this bowl is a real pleasure.