Gold Chawan X

Description

I am a Gold Chawan X. Sometimes I build such high walls for protection that I forget that I should open up and invite others in for a cup of tea.

Curator’s Notes

This narrow chawan is ideal for colder seasons as the high walls retain heat. The exterior has a rough texture but ironically still feels gentle to hold at the same time.

We are honored to bring together a rare collection of gold chawans by Masanobu Ando. Ando-san created each matcha tea bowl to emphasize the unique experience of personally selecting and using a chawan. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, featuring a form that creates a distinct appreciation of its materiality. They are made of black bases with fired pure gold glazes of varying application styles, textures and vibrancies. One commonality in the collection is Ando-san’s intentional alteration of the glaze to emphasize a rustic everyday quality, instead of the common notion of gold revered for the highest of occasions. The works come in a specialty handmade tomobako box.

Gold Chawan X was curated by Angélique Chmielewski

Designer/Maker

Maker: Masanobu Ando

Designer: Masanobu Ando

Specifications

Dimensions:

Chawan: 4.25” (w) x 4.75” (l) x 4” (h) or 108mm (w) x 121mm (l) x 102mm (h) 

Wooden Box: 5.75” (w) x 5.75” (l) x 5.75” (h) or 146mm (w) x 146mm (l) x 146mm (h) 

Weight:

Chawan: 15.6 oz or 443 g

Wooden Box: 10.8 oz or 306 g

Materials: Ceramic, Gold Overglaze, Pawlownia Wood Box, Linen Wrap Cloth

Details

• One-of-a-kind functional sculpture handmade by Masanobu Ando in Tajimi, Japan
• Packaged in a ‘tomobako’, a wooden box with navy tying rope, and calligraphed by Masanobu Ando
• Chawan is wrapped in a linen cloth, made by Akiko Ando, for protection within the box
• 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
• Hand wash only with mild soap and soft sponge
• Dry with soft cloth after washing 
• Do not microwave
• Do not dishwash