A tea bowl with the seal of the leading master of the pottery workshop Sato Kan made in the Aizu Hongo style. Aizu Hongo-yaki is the name of traditional Japanese ceramics from the Aizu Hongo region (Fukushima Prefecture).
Diameter: 14,3 cm, Height: 8,3 cm.
Accessories: fabric, box.
An inspection revealed no signs of use, such as new cracks, scratches, or staining of the ceramic from contact with beverages. The cup was likely unused and stored in a collection. There are only small scratches on the box.
This bowl, thanks to its lower base, is very comfortable to hold in one hand in different ways.
Recommended not only for tea ceremony, but also as interior decoration or gift.
The inside of the wooden box (tomobako) bears the name of the workshop, where the piece was made.The inscription reads top to bottom: 陶楽園窯 (Tōrakuen-gama).
陶 (Tō) — Ceramics / Porcelain.
楽 (Raku) — Pleasure / Enjoyment (also a reference to the famous Raku style of ceramics).
園 (En) — Garden.
窯 (Gama / Kama) — Kiln / Workshop.
General meaning: Workshop "Garden of Ceramic Enjoyment" (Torakuen). This is the name of a specific pottery kiln that produces artistic ceramics.
 
About the Master (Sato Kan).
Style: His works are distinguished by a contemporary approach to traditional forms. Sato-san often uses a "point to line, line to plane" shaping technique, creating three-dimensional objects with unique textures.
Distinctive Features: One of his signature series is hakkosai, which harmoniously combines form and color. He is also known for his experiments with re-fired ceramics to recreate the patterns of Chinese celadon.
Recognition: His works, such as vases and jugs with characteristic cracks and linear designs, are highly prized by collectors and are exhibited in specialized galleries in Japan.