Brushed Tanba tea bowl by Keisen KItamura

Height: 7.0cm Width: 15.5cm x 14.8cm

Same box Height: 10.5cm Width: 18.0cm×18.0cm

The beauty of brush strokes

The greatest attraction of this piece is the beauty of the "brush marks" on the white glaze, which look as if it was wiped over with a brush. The inside is firmly coated with white mud, while the outside has a beautifully expressed brushed pattern. The different brush marks on the inside and outside are one of the highlights of this tea bowl.

Influence of the Joseon Dynasty

Many brushed tea bowls were fired at the foot of Mt. Gyeryong near Gongju, South Chungcheong Province, during the early Joseon Dynasty, and this piece follows that tradition. Incorporating ancient techniques and aesthetic sense, this tea bowl exudes a sense of history and tradition.

Size and shape

This tea bowl is a perfect size, and is both easy to use and beautiful. The slightly curved shape fits comfortably in the hand. The fact that it sticks to the surface suggests that it was not an intentionally bent order, but rather occurred by chance in the kiln, and its natural texture is what makes it so appealing.

Craftsmanship and accidental beauty

Kitamura Keisen's outstanding technique and the accidental beauty born in the kiln are in perfect harmony. Each brush stroke is different, giving it the warmth and individuality that only a handmade item can have. By holding this tea bowl in your hands, you can enjoy the unique beauty created by the artist's technique and the power of nature.

Keisen Kiln: A brief history of Keisen Kitamura

Born in Tachikui, Tanba, Hyogo Prefecture in 1955. Graduated from Sasayama Homei High School. He studied under his father, the first Keisen, but was drawn to the nearby Mita Celadon (abandoned kiln at the end of the Taisho period) from an early age, and began firing celadon as well.
After his father passed away in 1979, as the second-generation Keisen, he devoted himself to both Tamba Tachikui ware (mainly firing unglazed, ash-glazed, and white ceramic tea ware and various utensils for daily use) and celadon ware.
In 1992, he participated in the 5th overseas pottery trip organized by the Hyogo Prefectural Ceramic Art Museum in Kobe, traveling to ancient kilns and museums in southern China (Quanzhou, Xiamen, Guangzhou, etc.) for research purposes.
In 1993, he held a solo exhibition at the Hyogo Prefectural Ceramic Art Museum, where he gained attention as a talented Tamba Tachikui ware artist.
In 1994, his Ido tea bowl was selected for the 11th Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition (sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs and others) organized by the Tabe Museum of Art.
In 1995, his Tamba Brushed Ash Glazed Tea Bowl won the Encouragement Award at the 12th Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art. His Tamba Brushed Ash Glazed Tea Bowl was selected for the 42nd Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition and won the Matsushita Award.
In 1996, his Tamba Brushed Ash Glazed Tea Bowl was selected for the 13th Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art. With the cooperation of the Osaka Prefecture Japan-China Friendship Association, he visited the Longquan Kiln in Zhejiang Province and deepened his relationship with local celadon experts.
His Tanba Brushed Ash Glazed Tea Bowl was selected for the 4th Tanko Biennale 1996 Tea Ceremony Art Open Exhibition.
In 1997, his Tamba Brushed Ash Glaze Tea Bowl was selected for the 14th Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition sponsored by the Tabe Museum of Art.
With the cooperation of the Osaka Prefecture Japan-China Friendship Association, participants visited Longquan Kiln in Zhejiang Province, toured the national-level ancient kiln site and deepened exchanges with celadon experts.
Solo exhibition at Tobu Department Store.
In 1998, he was selected for the 15th Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Art sponsored by the Tanabe Museum with his Tamba Hakeme Haigyu Chawan tea bowl. He was also selected for the 5th Tanko Biennale '98 Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition with his Tamba Hakeme Haigyu Chawan tea bowl.
1999: Selected for the 16th Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art with his Tamba Brushed Ash Glaze Tea Bowl
2000: Selected for the 17th Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art with his Tamba Hakeme Ash Glaze Tea Bowl
In 2001, his Tanba persimmon tea bowl was selected for the 18th Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art.
Participated in the opening ceremony of the Longquan Celadon Exhibition in Beijing in 2002
2003 Solo exhibition at Gallery "Aoyama"
In 2004, he was selected for the 21st Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Art sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art with his Tamba Hakeme Ash Glaze Tea Bowl.
In 2005, his Tanba Kohiki tea bowl was selected for the 22nd Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art.
In 2006, his Tamba black glaze tea bowl was selected for the 23rd Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art.
In 2007, his Tamba black glaze tea bowl was selected for the 24th Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art.
2008 Solo exhibition at Uchiyama Gallery in Sasayama
In 2009, he was selected for the 26th Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Art sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art with his Tamba Kohiki tea bowl.
In 2010, he was selected for the 27th Exhibition of Tea Ceremony Art sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art with his Tamba Tsutsuga tea bowl.
2015 Vice-chairman of the Climbing Kiln Restoration Executive Committee (2014)
2018: Participated in a study on firing bamboo in the oldest climbing kiln
2019 Hyogo Prefecture Skill Award Winner