Choshun Tenzan (長春天山) b. 1949

A Karatsu Tea Bowl "Fukumai" (唐津茶碗 銘「福舞」)

Showa Era (1926-1989) or Heisei Era (1989-2019) or Reiwa Era (2019–present)

About the work

A distinguished Karatsu tea bowl by Choshun Tenzan, an accomplished potter celebrated for his faithful interpretation of the classical Karatsu tradition. Named "Fukumai" ("Dance of Good Fortune"), the bowl embodies the spirit of joyful celebration and auspicious blessings, making it particularly well suited to the contemplative setting of the Japanese tea ceremony.

The bowl is robustly potted with deep, gently rising walls that taper gracefully towards a neatly formed foot, creating a balanced and comfortable form for use in the hand. A rich iron glaze flows over the stoneware body, producing a dramatic interplay of deep chocolate brown, charcoal black, and silvery white ash deposits created naturally during firing. The interior displays a glossy, almost mirror-like pool of dark glaze that contrasts beautifully with the softly textured exterior, where layers of ash, exposed clay, and subtle kiln effects create remarkable depth and visual complexity.

The tea bowl is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako) and original orange wrapping cloth.

Dimensions

8.2cm(h) x 14.5cm(w)

Weight: 280g

Footnote

Choshun Tenzan (b. 1949) was born in Kitakyushu City and is based in Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture. His real name is Takenaka Keiichi (竹中啓一). He left university at the age of 19 to pursue pottery and, after years of training, established his own kiln in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, at the age of 39. Tenzan’s works are known for their powerful forms, richly textured surfaces, and deep connection to Japan’s ancient ceramic heritage.