Buy Ito Keiraku Bajohai Chawan, Koedo

*MANY SHIPPING LIMITATIONS AND SUSPENSIONS CURRENTLY IN PLACE, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING TO SEE WHAT YOUR OPTIONS ARE.

This listing is for an aka-raku chawan tea bowl made around 20 years ago by noted potter, Ito Keiraku. It is hand-turned and the foot is extended to form a stem. This particular type of chawan is called bajohai, which translates as ‘horseback cup'. As the name implies, the stem of the bowl can be held in one hand while on horseback. It is said that samurai would drink from a bajohai cup after a victory in battle. A splendid aka-raku bajohai style tea bowl made by Raku Seinyu (Kichizaemon XIII 1887-1944) is on display at the Raku Museum in Kyoto, the bowl in this listing has the same bold form. The stamp of the potter can be found on the bottom and it comes with its original paper storage box. *SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS LISTING FOR SHIPPING SUSPENSIONS AND/OR AVAILABLE OPTIONS. *CLICK ‘Learn more about this item' FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

Ito Keiraku (b.1942) is a raku-ware potter and member of Katsura Gama in Kyoto. Katsura Gama was established in 1953 in the Arashiyama district near the Katsura River. The founder of the kiln, Yorigami Sohaku, was originally a craftsman who produced roof tiles for temples and castles. In his spare time he dabbled in flowering arranging and tea, and this led to an interest in making teaware. By 1953 he switched to teaware production and opened Katsura Gama, employing a young apprentice named Higaki Soraku. Higaki married into the buy family and began to take students of his own, one of the first being Ito Keiraku back in 1957. Ito officially joined the kiln after his apprenticeship and has built a successful career as a teaware specialist. His wares are sold at high end department stores across Japan, and he has held several solo exhibitions in the Kansai region. **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Koedo and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Raku ware refers to low-fired ceramic ware first made in Kyoto by the Raku Family, its origins going as far back as the 16th century. It is traditionally characterised by being hand shaped rather than thrown. Raku is typically delicate, lightweight, and earthy to the touch. Aka (red) raku bowls are fired at 800 degrees, whilst the kuro (black) bowls can be fired up to 1200 degrees. The glaze for black bowls is made from crushed black stones retrieved from the Kamogawa River in Kyoto. Red bowls are coloured by adding translucent glaze over a pinkish clay body. When using raku bowls you should always wipe well with a warm cloth before use. It is possible to cause small cracks if you suddenly add boiling water.

Sizes
Paper Box: H.13.9cm (5.4”) x 13cm (5.1”) x 13cm (5.1”)
Chawan: H.12.5cm (4.9”) x Dia.11.4cm (4.4”)

Condition
It's in very good condition with no chips or cracks, the bottom is a tiny bit wobbly but poses no problems when whisking because you hold the stem part anyway. Also the paper box is spotty on the interior.

THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION

**Airmail, ePacket and EMS shipping suspended for the following countries: United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Hungary, Serbia, Estonia, Luxemburg, Iceland, Kosovo, Montenegro, Ukraine, Latvia, Croatia, Israel and Czechia. Your only option is SAL Sea Mail which will take 3-4 months to reach you. Also please note that while Etsy collects VAT at checkout, they do not collect Customs fees. EU buyers will be required to pay a Customs fee locally in order to receive packages, this is an EU requirement completely unrelated to our store and Etsy.

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**USA: EMS Express (approx. 7-10 days). Combined shipping available (please send us a message) but please note that the price does not get cheaper for EMS, in fact it becomes more expensive. Request sea mail (10-16 weeks depending on processing and backlogs at destination ports) if you want to save money, or EMS if you want your items quickly and don't mind the cost.

**Australia: SAL Sea Mail (6-10 weeks) depending on processing at destination ports. Airmail and EMS is suspended.

**Canada: No shipping methods available since December 21, 2021 and doesn't look to be resuming anytime soon. Please contact us if you would like something put on hold.

**Russia: No shipping methods available.

**Asia: Currently Airmail ePacket, EMS Express and SAL Sea Mail available to most destinations, delivery time will depend on destination.