Ceramic Bowl - Akahada Ware

Small matcha bowl in the Akahada-yaki style from Nara Prefecture, first developed around 1585. It was made by Oshio Shōzan III (b.1935), who is a distinguished potter specialising in Akahada ware.  It can be used with a whisk for small matcha, as a regular tea cup or small rice bowl.

• Top diameter: 9cm
• Height: 6cm
• Weight: 168g
• Packaging: Each bowl will be wrapped in protective wrapping before shipping.
• Please note: Since each bowl is made by hand, the glazing line and pattern will not necessarily be exactly the same as in the picture

Akahada-yaki features

Akahada-yaki (赤膚焼) is a traditional Japanese pottery style originating from Nara Prefecture, with its roots tracing back to the late 16th century. Established around 1585, it became one of the esteemed "Enshū Seven Kilns," favoured by the tea master Kobori Enshū Chano-yu.

Akahada-yaki is renowned for its milky white clay, occasionally exhibiting a subtle reddish hue due to iron content. This is complemented by a clear glaze, resulting in a smooth and lustrous finish. A distinctive aspect of Akahada-yaki is the incorporation of "Nara-e" (奈良絵) motifs - hand-painted illustrations under the glaze, depicting scenes from fairy tales, Noh plays, and Buddhist scriptures. Traditionally, Akahada-yaki pieces include tea ceremony utensils such as bowls, cups, and jars.

Profile of Oshio Shōzan III

Born in 1935, he succeeded his predecessor in 1974 and has been instrumental in preserving and revitalizing traditional techniques, particularly the Nara-e decorative style  Shōzan III is celebrated for his tea ceremony wares, including mizusashi (water jars) and yunomi (tea cups), which showcase his mastery in form and decoration. He has been nominated multiple times for the prestigious Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition and is a full-time member of the Japan Ceramics Association. His efforts in reviving traditional glaze techniques earned him the title of "Traditional Craftsman" by the governor of Nara Prefecture. His son, Oshio Shōzan IV currently manages the kiln, joined by his daughter, Hiroko Oshio, a cardiologist, wine expert and ceramicist who works in a distinct fusion style. 

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Akahada ware manufacturer Oshio Shōzan is one of six Akahada pottery manufacturers currently certified by Nara Prefecture, and is the only kiln with two people certified as Nara Prefecture traditional craftsmen - 3rd and 4th generation father and son.

The kiln focuses on creating tea ceremony utensils in accordance with the history of Akahada pottery, but also sake utensils. It places emphasis on design and functionality that can be used not only at tea ceremonies, but also on everyday dining tables.

The studio uses the traditional firing method of a three-tier, wood fired climbing kiln to fire the works of artists. Firings take approximately three days and three nights before the works are finished. This contributes to unique glazing patterns on each individual piece.