Designated Cultural Property of Sakata City
Chōjirō
Momoyama period (16th century)
Acquired in 1965 (donated by the Homma family)
This is a tea bowl crafted by master potter Chōjirō, who began creating the raku-yaki style of pottery under the guidance of Sen no Rikyū (the politically influential tea master who first codified the chanoyu way of tea ceremony). The black color appeals to the refined eye, and whilst the straight lines of its shape might seem unintentional at first, its size and weight fit perfectly in the hand, proof of its well-calculated design. Its character perfectly encapsulates Sen no Rikyū’s ideal of wabi-cha (a style of tea ceremony emphasizing the spirit of simplicity).