A Black Raku “Kazuin” Tea Bowl by Higaki Soroku
- Artist:
- Higaki Soroku
- Era:
- Shōwa
- Price:
- $1,250
- Inquire:
- Contact gallery
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The term “Raku” was once reserved for a style of pottery produced by a specific household in Kyoto that began over 450 years ago. Over the years, as it gained popularity, several branch kilns were established (Ōhi, Tamamizu) and a number of other lineages arose making pieces in the style of Raku, though they were not formally associated with the Raku household. Today, we see that Raku has become a world-wide phenomena and the name is no longer reserved strictly for the Raku family, now in its 16th generation maintaining their family kiln and a museum where they keep examples of every generation down to the present. The Soraku lineage, while not associated with the main household, has consistently been producing very competent Raku pieces throughout their history such as the “may stamps” (Kazuin) tea bowl we see here made by the second generation potter. While most Raku tea bowls only have one stamp, kazuin bowls are a sort of living record of the many stamps an artist may have used down through their career, making them very interesting indeed.
Higaki Soraku II (1927) was born in Kyoto as the eldest daughter of Higaki Shohaku (the first generation potter), and opened a kiln with her husband in Nishiyama, Kyoto in 1955. In 1983, after her husband passed away, she assumed the name of Higaki Soraku II and took over operations of the kiln and continued to make high-quality Raku-ware including tea bowls, mizusashi, and ceramic figures. Later, her eldest daughter born in 1949 would take over operations of the kiln, thus becoming the third generation potter.
In perfect condition, this Raku tea bowl is 4.75 inches at its widest point (12cm), and stands 3.3 inches tall (8.4cm). It comes with its original wooden box signed and sealed by the artist and with a protective wrapping cloth.
*** International shipping and insurance is included in the price.
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