Onishi Rakusai (尾西楽斎), Japanese

An Akahada Ware Chawan with Enso Motif (円相文赤膚茶碗)

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

About the work

A remarkable collaborative Akahada ware tea bowl created by the Onishi Rakusai lineage and the renowned Buddhist monk, artist, and calligrapher Shimizu Kōshō (清水公照) (1911–1999), the 208th Chief Abbot of Tōdai-ji Temple (東大寺), whose calligraphy and artistic works remain highly regarded within the Japanese tea ceremony tradition. The bowl is decorated with a bold red enso (Zen circle) motif, a powerful symbol of enlightenment, completeness, and the infinite nature of existence within Zen Buddhism.

The generously potted form is covered in a soft ivory glaze that flows naturally across the surface, revealing areas of warm reddish clay beneath. The expressive circular design emerges through the glaze with striking visual contrast, while subtle variations in tone and texture exemplify the understated beauty associated with Akahada ware. The rounded form, balanced proportions, and tactile surface make this an engaging and contemplative tea bowl suitable for both use and display.

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

Dimensions

8.5cm(h) x 11cm(w)

Footnote

Onishi Rakusai (尾西楽斎) is a hereditary title borne by successive generations of master ceramic artists who operate Kōhaku Kiln (香柏窯) in Nara Prefecture. The lineage traces its origins to the late Edo period when the renowned Akahada ware master Okuda Mokuhaku (奥田木白) elevated the reputation of Nara ceramics. To preserve his techniques, the Yanagisawa lords established a new kiln and entrusted its operation to the Onishi family, bestowing upon them the art name “Rakusai.” Since then, the family has maintained the traditions of Akahada ware while pursuing technical and artistic innovation. The present generation continues a ceramic tradition spanning more than 150 years.