Korean Ceramic Ki-Irabo Tea Bowl Chawan Joseon Dynasty

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A ceramic chawan tea bowl made in Korea for Japanese market circa 17th century. The chawan is identified as Ki- … Read more A ceramic chawan tea bowl made in Korea for Japanese market circa 17th century. The chawan is identified as Ki- Irabo type (Yellow Irabo). Irabo bowls were essentially considered as the second generation or late period Korean export, made specifically to meet the demand of the tea ceremonies that had become very popular in Edo Japan beginning in the early seventeenth century. The taste is catered to the Japanese, and they are priced for their rustic appeal and wabi-sabi spirit. Irabo is characterized by its coarse and sandy clay that is rich in iron and ocher-color ash glaze that shows intentional irregularity. Bowls with yellow glaze was considered as fine examples
The chawan on offer features a deep conical body supported by high foot ring. Slightly irregular, the surface is covered with a mellowed yellow glaze. The surface texture is characterized by granule sandy clay and exposed encircling lines from the potter's wheel. The rim shows significant irregularity, it is possible that there had been old surface nicks and chips that have been smoothened over the years. When one runs the finger on it, that is the feeling. Within the foot ring, there is a clear spiral pattern that centered with a pointy Tokin, likely made to the specification of the order, as that is a desirable feature in old Korean Ido chawan discovered by the Japanese tea masters.
The bowl comes with a wrapping cloth and a tomobako box with ink inscription "Ki-Irabo". See less