Irabo tea bowl by Keisen KItamura

Height: 8.5cm Width: 16.3cm x 16.0cm

Box Height: 12.8cm Width: 18.5cm x 18.5cm

Large shape

This Irabo tea bowl is characterized by its dynamic, deep shape that rises from a high base. The height of the bowl and its linear silhouette give it a unique presence at the tea ceremony. This design is not only beautiful to look at, but also easy to use.

Historical background

Irabo tea bowls are tea bowls made from the Momoyama period to the early Edo period, when Japanese tea masters began to order and fire tea. Irabo, the most numerous of Goryeo tea bowls, were made on the Korean peninsula during the Yi Dynasty and were used in the Japanese wabi tea ceremony. The name comes from the fact that the rough texture of the clay and glaze gives the hand a "frizzy" feeling.

Attractions and attractions

The texture of the plum blossom skin on the base of this Irabo tea bowl is magnificent.

Profile of Keisen Kitamura

Kitamura Keisen is a contemporary ceramic artist known for his works that combine tradition and innovation. While respecting traditional techniques, he incorporates modern sensibilities, and is loved by many tea masters and ceramic art enthusiasts. His unique aesthetic sense and outstanding technique shine through in his Irabo tea bowls.

Make your tea ceremony experience special

This Irabo tea bowl will make your Japanese tea ceremony even more special. It will enhance the atmosphere of the tea ceremony and make each cup of matcha even more luxurious. You will be captivated by its beauty and functionality every time you use it.

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