Kuro Raku Chōjiro Shunkan

Handmade replica of the historical matcha bowl called Shunkan.

It is said that “Shunkan” is one of the few bowls named by Sen no Rikyu himself.

Legend has it that a disciple in Kyushu (Satsuma) prefecture asked Rikyu for some bowls produced by Chojiro, and Rikyu sent him three bowls. But he sent back two of them and requested Rikyu to write a signature to the bowl he kept. Then Rikyu conceived the name of Shunkan who was a Buddhist priest. (1143-1179) Shunkan joined a group as a member of conspiracy against Heike family during Heian era (794-1185), but their plan of conspiracy was exposed and Shunkan was exiled to Kikaiga-shima island with Naritsune Fujiwara (a court noble at the end of Heian era) and Yasuyori Taira (samurai in Heian era.) Ultimately Naritsune and Yasuyori went back to Kyoto after being forgived and only Shunkan left alone in Kikaiga-shima island. He passed away as grieving. The name of Raku-Chawan “Shunkan” comes from this historical event.

This tea bowl “Shunkan” is formed by totally being shaved. The rim of a tea bowl called “Kuchizukuri” is a little wavy. There is a shallow dent called “Chadamari”at the center of the tea bowl The material of glazing covering the surface of Kuroraku is powdered Kamogawa-seki (black pebbles) which are collected in the upper part of Kamogawa river. The glazing melt easily on the surface of a tea bowl in a kiln and makes it smooth. Shunkan looks like heavy as well as other Raku Chawan due to its color and thickness, but it is very light when holding it up. “Shunkan” is a tea bowl which has various aspects and is a masterpiece among this type of Raku Chawan produced by Chojiro.

The bowl comes in a wooden box signed by the master.

Place of origin: Kyoto, Japan

INITIATION
We strongly recommend initiating the Raku tea bowl before use!
Raku chawan are very fragile, as the clay is very porous. When initiating with lukewarm water containing rice powder, the powder goes into the pores and strengthens the structure of the pottery.
If ordered with initiation, we can do it for you before sending the raku chawan to you. If you prefer to do the initiation yourself, you can read more about how to do it below or in our blog post about Raku chawan (also linked below).

☆ WE GUARANTEE SAFE DELIVERY - if the product gets damaged in transit we will replace or make a refund.

☆ HANDMADE PRODUCT - Please note that the item we have in stock might not be the same piece shown on the pictures above. Each piece is unique and slightly different from each other. If you are particular about either the size, the capacity or the appearance, contact us, and we will share photos or the exact details of our available pieces in stock.

To write a review, please log in.
(Only purchasers can write a review.)