Vintage Hagi Ware Matcha Bowl – Koyo Hayashi Signed Chawan, Tomobako Box

Vintage Hagi Ware Matcha Bowl – Koyo Hayashi Signed Chawan, Tomobako BoxExperience the soul of the Japanese tea ceremony with this authentic Hagi yaki Chawan (matcha bowl). Hand thrown by the celebrated potter Koyo Hayashi during the late Showa or early Heisei era (c. 3040 years ago), this bowl embodies the understated elegance of wabi sabi. Hagi pottery is famous for its milky, translucent glazes and its characteristic "crackle" (kannyu), which allows the tea to seep into the clay over time, deepening the bowl's

Experience the soul of the Japanese tea ceremony with this authentic Hagi-yaki Chawan (matcha bowl). Hand-thrown by the celebrated potter Koyo Hayashi during the late Showa or early Heisei era (c. 30–40 years ago), this bowl embodies the understated elegance of wabi-sabi.

Hagi pottery is famous for its milky, translucent glazes and its characteristic "crackle" (kannyu), which allows the tea to seep into the clay over time, deepening the bowl's character and color. This specific piece features a warm, salmon-pink and sandy-beige body with a beautiful white straw-ash glaze that flows gracefully toward the foot.

The bowl features a traditional notched foot (warigoda), a hallmark of Hagi craftsmanship, and a textured, earthy surface that feels substantial and warm in the hands. The potter's seal is clearly stamped on the base, as shown in the photographs.

Artist: Koyo Hayashi (Signed with his official seal on the bottom).
Origin: Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
Era: Vintage (Circa 1985–1995).
Style: Hagi-yaki (Hagi Ware).
Condition: Excellent vintage condition. No chips, cracks, or repairs.
Packaging: Includes the original Tomobako (signed wooden collector's box) with silk ribbon, ensuring its authenticity and provenance.

How to "Season" a Hagi Ware Matcha Bowl
Hagi ware is intentionally porous. These steps ensure the bowl is prepared for use and protected from unwanted odors or stains.

Initial Preparation (Before the Very First Use)
Soak Thoroughly: Immerse the new bowl in lukewarm water for at least 30 minutes to a few hours. This allows the clay to absorb clean water first, preventing tea from seeping too deeply into the pores and causing harsh stains early on.

Check the Foot: Hagi ware often has an unglazed, rough base. If it feels abrasive, you can gently smooth it with fine-grit sandpaper or a whetstone to prevent it from scratching table surfaces.

Fixing Leaks (If Necessary): Because Hagi is so porous, new bowls may occasionally leak. To fix this, fill the bowl with rice water (the starch-heavy water from washing rice) or a thin rice gruel and let it sit for 6–24 hours.

Daily Use and Care
Pre-infusion Soak: Before each tea session, briefly soak the bowl in warm water for about 10 minutes. This warms the ceramic and further protects the glaze.

Cleaning: Never use dish soap or a dishwasher. The porous clay will absorb the detergent's scent, ruining the taste of future tea. Hand-wash only with warm water.

Drying: Allow the bowl to air-dry completely for at least 24 hours before storing it back in its wooden box. Storing it while even slightly damp can lead to mold and unpleasant odors.

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Disclaimer:
Please note that all vintage items may show signs of age and wear due to their history. These imperfections are part of their charm and authenticity. Handmade items may also include intentional irregularities, which reflect the unique craftsmanship and character of each piece.

We do our best to accurately represent each product in photos; however, due to differences in lighting and screen settings, colors etc. may appear slightly different in person. Please review all photos and descriptions and feel free to ask for more photos before purchasing. If you have any questions or want more photos, feel free to reach out!