CHOJIRO'S OGURO | by Sasaki Kyoshitsu, Kiraigama #1

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.  

Chōjirō's Oguro    |   Chawan #1

大黒 |   長次郎

This tea bowl, considered one of Rikyū's seven cherished tea bowls, stands out for its serene elegance. Its craftsmanship features gentle undulations around the rim, a restrained inward curve, and a smoothly rounded body. There are no conspicuous spatula marks on its surface, and the small, round foot ring is neatly carved, enhancing its refined and dignified appearance. It is regarded as a quintessential example of tea bowls shaped in the style favored by Sen no Rikyū.

Among Chōjirō's tea bowls, this piece has a particularly clear and distinguished provenance. As indicated by a document penned by Kōshin Sōsa, the bowl was originally owned by Rikyū and later passed down through his lineage: first to his adopted son Shōan, then to Sōtan. At one point, it came into the possession of Gotō Kosai, a disciple of Sōtan, before being returned to the Sen family during Kōshin Sōsa's time. It remained with the Omotesenke family until the era of Joshinsai, after which it became part of the Kōnoike family's collection. It was highly treasured by the Kōnoike family and remained in their care until after World War II.

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.