Irabo tea bowl by Keisen KItamura

Height: 8.5cm Width: 16.3cm x 16.0cm

Same box Height: 12.8cm Width: 18.5cm×18.5cm

Irabo Tea Bowl "By Kitamura Keisen" - A Masterpiece that Embraces the Essence of Wabicha

Large and eye-catching shape

The "Irabo Tea Bowl by Kitamura Keisen" is characterized by its dynamic and deep rise. The silhouette that extends in a powerful straight line from the high base brings a unique presence to the tea ceremony. This large shape not only looks powerful, but also fits comfortably in the hand. From the moment you pick up the tea bowl, its majestic design stimulates your senses.

The history and origin of Irabo tea bowls

Irabo tea bowls are traditional tea bowls deeply connected to Japan's wabi tea culture. Their origins date back to Goryeo tea bowls from the Momoyama to early Edo periods, and are based on tea bowls made on the Korean Peninsula during the Joseon Dynasty. They are characterized by a rough texture due to the clay and glaze, and this rough texture gives them a sense of "irritation," hence the name "Irabo." They were commissioned by Japanese tea masters and have been treasured as tools symbolizing the spirit of wabi.

Highlights - The texture of the plum blossom bark on the base and the glaze

This Irabo tea bowl is particularly outstanding for the texture of its base, known as Kairagi. The natural scenery that emerges during firing gives the entire bowl a rich look that captivates the viewer. The subtle color variations and texture created by the glaze are also the charms of something that can only be achieved by hand.

Kitamura Keisen - A master craftsman who combines tradition and innovation

Kitamura Keisen is an artist known in the Japanese ceramics world for his works that combine tradition and innovation. While respecting traditional techniques, he skillfully incorporates modern sensibilities, earning him the support of many tea masters and ceramics enthusiasts. This Irabo tea bowl fully demonstrates Kitamura Keisen's refined aesthetic sense and outstanding technique.

A special experience of wabicha tea

The "Irabo Tea Bowl by Kitamura Keisen" will make your time with the Japanese wabi tea ceremony even more special. This tea bowl, with its simple yet profound design and natural beauty in harmony, will bring a special atmosphere to your tea ceremony. Every time you taste a cup of matcha, you will be captivated by its beauty and functionality, providing you with a comfortable moment.

A one-of-a-kind "Irabo tea bowl" in your hands

Kitamura Keisen's "Irabo Tea Bowl" is a masterpiece that beautifully combines the spirit of wabi with the beauty of nature. Please pick up this tea bowl and experience its charm, which adds elegance and a special presence to your tea ceremony. You can enjoy Japanese tea culture and history in your daily tea ceremony.

Keisen Kiln: Keisen Kitamura Biography

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 (a closed kiln at the end of the Taisho period) from an early age, and began to try firing celadon himself.
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 Ceramic Art Journey sponsored by the Hyogo Prefectural Ceramic Art Museum in Kobe, visiting 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 unique talent in Tamba Tachikui ware.
In 1994, his Ido tea bowl was selected for the 11th Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition (sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs and others) hosted by the Tanabe Museum of Art.
In 1995, his Tamba Hakeme Ash-glazed Tea Bowl won the Encouragement Award at the 12th Tea Ceremony Design Exhibition sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art. His Tamba Hakeme Ash-glazed Tea Bowl was also selected for the 42nd Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition and won the Matsushita Award.
In 1996, his Tamba Hakeme Ash-glazed Tea Bowl was selected for the 13th Tea Ceremony Design 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 connections with local celadon experts.
His Tamba Hakeme Ash-glazed Tea Bowl was selected for the 4th Tanko Biennale Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition in 1996.
In 1997, his Tamba Hakeme Ash-glazed Tea Bowl was selected for the 14th Tea Ceremony Design Exhibition sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art.
With the cooperation of the Osaka Prefecture Japan-China Friendship Association, participants visited the Longquan Kiln in Zhejiang Province, toured the national-level ancient kiln site, and deepened their interactions with celadon experts.
Solo exhibition at Tobu Department Store.
In 1998, his Tamba Hakeme Ash-glazed Tea Bowl was selected for the 15th Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art. His Tamba Hakeme Ash-glazed Tea Bowl was also selected for the 5th Tanko Biennale '98 Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition.
1999: Selected for the 16th Tea Ceremony Design Exhibition sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art with his Tamba Hakeme Ash Glaze Tea Bowl
In 2000, his Tamba Hakeme Ash-glazed Tea Bowl was selected for the 17th Tea Ceremony Design Exhibition sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art.
In 2001, his Tanba persimmon tea bowl was selected for the 18th Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition, sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art.
2002 Participated in the opening ceremony of the Longquan Celadon Exhibition in Beijing
2003 Solo exhibition at Gallery "Aoyama"
In 2004, his Tamba Hakeme Ash-glazed Tea Bowl was selected for the 21st Tea Ceremony Design Exhibition sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art.
In 2005, his Tanba Kohiki tea bowl was selected for the 22nd Tea Ceremony Design Exhibition sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art.
In 2006, his Tanba black glaze tea bowl was selected for the 23rd Tea Ceremony Design Exhibition sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art.
In 2007, his Tanba black glaze tea bowl was selected for the 24th Tea Ceremony Design Exhibition sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art.
2008 Solo exhibition at Uchiyama Gallery in Sasayama
In 2009, his Tanba Kohiki tea bowl was selected for the 26th Tea Ceremony Design Exhibition sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art.
In 2010, his Tamba Tsutsugaki tea bowl was selected for the 27th Tea Ceremony Design Exhibition sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art.
2015 Vice-chairman of the Climbing Kiln Restoration Executive Committee (2014)
2018: Participated in a bamboo firing study in the oldest climbing kiln
2019 Hyogo Prefecture Skill Award