Teabowl 1850 - 1870

This teabowl was made by Furoshi Shōsai out of stoneware, a dense, non-porous clay fired at high temperature. The teabowl is a testament to the Japanese mastery of ceramics, where the ritual of tea drinking is deeply intertwined with the tactile qualities of the vessels used. The dark, earthy stoneware gives way to a cascade of milky glaze that pools and streaks across the upper portion of the bowl, a happy effect achieved through careful firing techniques. Look closely, and you can see where the potter has left their fingerprints in the clay, small indentations and the marks of the turning wheel. The bowl's surface invites you to contemplate the textures and tones that emerge from the firing process. These are not merely decorative, but intrinsically linked to the history of ceramic production. So, the next time you sip from a handmade cup, think about the labor, materials, and cultural traditions that have shaped it. We can find equal measures of care, intention, and expertise here.