An Exceptional Tenmoku Tea Bowl by Sasaki Zen
- Artist:
- Sasaki Zen
- Era:
- Contemporary
- Price:
- $2,000
- Inquire:
- Contact gallery
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With origins stretching back over 1,000 years, Tenmoku pottery is thought to have first found its way to the shores of Japan in the 12th century by monks who brought them back from China’s southern Song dynasty. Extraordinarily resilient, you can find museum display pieces today, nearly a millennia old, that look like they could have just come out of the kiln! Often very eye catching, Tenmoku chawan are instantly recognizable for their profound deep glazes ranging from molten ebony to the shimmering oil spot type like the one seen here. Each piece uniquely constructed and transformed by fire, earth, and water; these bowls were some of the first to be used in Japanese tea ceremony and are highly prized even today.
Born in Okayama in 1949, Sasaki Zen is a Japanese ceramic artist whose work is grounded in the disciplined traditions of classical pottery while expressing a quiet, contemporary sensibility. A full member of the Japan Kōgei Association (Ishikawa branch, ceramics division), he is known for iron-glazed vessels and Tenmoku-glazed bowls whose deep, lustrous surfaces reveal the subtle dialogue between clay, glaze, and flame. Exhibited in national venues including the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, his works favor restrained form, balance, and depth of glaze, reflecting a sustained engagement with tea culture and the enduring values of Japanese craft.
In excellent condition, this piece is 5.7 inches wide (14.5cm) and stand 2.75 inches tall (7cm). Bearing the artists seal on the base, it comes with its own custom made box, signed and sealed by the artst, and with a protective cloth and informational insert detailing the artist and the kiln. In our humble opinion, this is one of the finest pieces we have seen by this artist.
*** International shipping and insurance is included in the price. Shipped from Japan, duties may apply on arrival.
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