Antique item. Master craftsman Inoue Shunho - a prominent Japanese ceramicist and calligrapher of the Meiji period, best known for his works for the tea ceremony. 
Raku tea bowl with a plum blossom design. In an old paper box. Japanese antiques. Japanese art.
There is a small, barely visible crack on the wall of the bowl next to the flower (photo).
Diameter: 12 cm, Height: 8 cm, Weight: 323 g. 
Recommended not only for tea ceremony, but also as interior decoration or gift. 
 
The deep, lustrous glaze characteristic of black raku pottery highlights the delicate plum motif, creating a bowl that exudes wabi-sabi elegance and sophistication. The soft shape and comfortable grip characteristic of raku pottery lend it a special significance in matcha tea ceremonies, making it an ideal piece for both everyday tea ceremonies and special occasions that reflect the host's feelings.
This practical tea ceremony piece is also a beautiful addition to any collection of Japanese antique raku tea bowls.
 
Shunho I (1st) (1896-1965)
Born in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture. Moved to Kyoto and opened a kiln in the foothills of the Higashiyama Mountains. His artist name was Gyokushu.
Certified as a technical preservation artist by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Studied under Tanaka Seipa, head of the Kagetsuan Sencha tea ceremony school.
Represented the head of the school when the All-Japan Sencha Tea Ceremony Federation was formed.
Appointed as an Obaku Potter by Manpukuji Temple, the head temple of the Obaku-san sect.
Received a visit from Urasenke Master Tantansai, who presented him with a set of "Shunho Flowers Self-Opening."
He had connections with Hideki Yukawa and Hiroshi Suekawa.
 
Shunho II (1928-1997)
The eldest daughter of Shunho I. Specialized in blue and white porcelain, overglaze enamel, and Kochi porcelain.
He presented sencha tea utensils to Crown Princess Michiko.
He also donated his work to the Osaka Expo time capsule at her request.
 
Shunho III (1950- )
Born in 1950 as the eldest son of Shunho II.
After graduating from the Kyoto Prefectural Pottery Training School in 1977,
he studied glazes and other materials at the Ceramics Department of the Kyoto Municipal Industrial Testing Institute, while also honing his pottery techniques under the guidance of Shunho II.
In 1988, he was awarded the lay title "Zaishin" by His Eminence Okuda Yukio, the 58th abbot of the Obaku sect.
He has continued to create pottery under this title ever since.
In 1997, he assumed the name Shunho III.
He received the certificate of Obaku pottery from His Eminence Hayashi Bunsho, the 59th abbot of the Obaku sect.
He has since held solo exhibitions at department store art galleries and other locations.
In 2006, a ceramics exhibition commemorating 50 years of commissioning by Obaku ceramic masters was held at the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi main store.
 
How to care for such a bowl:
Clay has porosity, and it varies among different types, so here are some general tips for caring for ceramics. To ensure the bowl "opens up":
Avoid using detergents: The clay will absorb the chemical smell, ruining the tea's flavor.
Only one type of tea: Experts recommend using one bowl for one type of tea (for example, only pu-erh or only oolong) so that over time the lining will absorb the aroma of that particular tea.
Your bowl is not just a piece of teaware, but an object of authenticity that, with proper use, will only improve over the years.