CHOJIRO'S HAGE | by Sasaki Kyoshitsu, Kiraigama #2

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 Hage   |   Chawan #2

銘禿  |   長次郎

This tea bowl, currently housed at Fushinan, is considered one of its most treasured artifacts. Its name, Hage (meaning "bald"), reflects its gentle and endearing appearance. The entire bowl is smoothly carved, exuding a calm and charming elegance.

The rim features a slightly undulating form and curves strongly inward. The foot ring is large and robust, without the presence of a spiral-like or kabuto-shape (kabuto-fukin). The interior of the bowl has a shallow tea pool (chadomari), creating a broad and open space. The glaze has a smooth kase-hada (dry surface) texture, with a mottled yellow-brown appearance that adds to its visual charm.

It is said that this bowl was once owned by Sen no Rikyū, who cherished it deeply and kept it close by as one of his favorite tea utensils. The name Hage is believed to derive from this close association with Rikyū and the simplicity of its design. The bowl was passed down to Yamada Sōhen, later through the hands of Sakamoto Shūsai, and eventually returned to the Omotesenke family, where it remains.

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.