Gold Chawan II (OUT OF STOCK)

Description

I am Gold Chawan II. I believe that a warm cup of tea is worth its weight in gold.

Curator’s Notes

Every year we receive a very special chawan glazed with gold from Masanobu Ando. This is the first time we received one in a ‘tomobako’ wooden box that plays a significant role in the value and protection of the pottery work. It was a joy to unveil the contents and lift out a chawan that is more bulbous in shape and gentler in your hands. Made to fit the contours of cupped palms, this rounded chawan feels familiar and comfortable to hold. Ando-san hand builds all of his pieces to highlight the natural textures of the clay, and with this piece, he’s taken a more subtle approach to keep a smoother surface and an understated elegance. We’ve learned that drinking with a gold cup can help alleviate symptoms of chronic pain – the celestial flecks of gold that scatter the surfaces have an otherworldly impression, that remind us of the power of the raw materials that form this rare piece by a master potter.

Gold Chawan II was curated by Angélique Chmielewski

Designer/Maker

Maker: Masanobu Ando

Designer: Masanobu Ando

Specifications

Dimensions:

Chawan: 4.5” (w) x 4.9” (l) x 3.6” (h) or 114mm (w) x 124mm (l) x 91mm (h) 

Wooden Box: 6.0” (w) x 6.0” (l) x 5.3” (h) or 152mm (w) x 152mm (l) x 135mm (h) 

Weight:

Chawan: 14.6 oz or 415 g

Wooden Box: 11.2 oz 318 g

Materials: Ceramic, Gold overglaze, Pawlownia wood box, Linen wrap cloth

Details

• One-of-a-kind piece handmade by Masanobu Ando in Tajimi, Japan
• Packaged in a ‘tomobako’, a wooden box with tying rope calligraphed by Masanobu Ando
• Chawan is wrapped in a linen cloth for protection within the box, made by Akiko Ando
• A chawan is traditionally used as a bowl for preparing and drinking tea, especially matcha
• Chawans must be crafted to particular specifications – balance, weight, angle, curve, and the kodai, or foot, are all carefully considered
• Gold overglaze will develop a natural patina over time
• Gold speckles shine brilliantly at the bottom of the bowl’s interior surface
• Bottom of the chawan has a mark of the artisan
• Hand wash only with mild soap and soft sponge
• Dry with soft cloth after washing 
• Do not microwave
• Do not place in dishwasher