Miyashita Zenji (宮下善爾), Japanese (1939–2012)

A Stoneware Matcha Tea Bowl (Chawan)

Showa Era (1926-1989) or Heisei Era (1989-2019)

About the work

This elegant matcha tea bowl (chawan) by ceramic artist Miyashita Zenji is a quiet yet expressive example of refined modern Japanese teaware. Wheel-thrown and finished in a subdued, earthy brown tone, the bowl features natural undulations and a slightly asymmetrical rim that speaks to the artist’s sensitivity to form and material.

The surface reveals a matte, subtly variegated texture with hand-thrown marks visible inside and along the foot. The foot bears the artist’s impressed seal, and the bowl is housed in its original signed wooden box (tomobako) with cloth, adding to its authenticity and collectible value.

Dimensions

8cm(h) x 6.5cm)w) x  13.2cm(d)

Footnote

Miyashita Zenji (宮下善爾, 1939–2012) was a celebrated Japanese ceramic artist and graduate of Kyoto City University of Arts, where he studied under Kiyomizu Kyūbei and Kusube Yaichi. He began his career working with celadon, mastering the challenges of precise form and firing.

From 1964, he exhibited regularly at the Nitten, winning 18 awards. He became known for his technique of layering colored clays dyed with mineral pigments, creating delicate striations that evoke Heian-era court aesthetics. His works are held in major institutions including the British Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Freer and Sackler Galleries.