Please note, this item is a unique piece.
This bowl matchaThis piece, with its warm amber hue, is a work by master potter Ōhi Chōraku (1889–1991), the eighth generation of the main line of the Ōhi kiln in Kanazawa. Ōhi-yaki, considered a secondary kiln of Raku-yaki, was founded by Ōhi Chōzaemon I in the late 17th century, when he settled in Kanazawa at the invitation of Lord Maeda Tsunanori. Heir to this tradition, Ōhi Chōraku—also known by his artist name Tōgensai—dedicated his life to perpetuating and refining this ceramic, so closely linked to the Way of Tea.
The distinctive mark of Ōhi-yaki lies in its amber glaze (ame-yū), a type of iron-rich glaze obtained by firing in an oxidizing atmosphere, giving the surface a deep, translucent brown known as "caramel" or "honey." This soft, luminous glaze blends with the delicate texture of Raku to create a harmonious contrast between visual warmth and tactile lightness. Each piece, hand-shaped without a potter's wheel, expresses the spontaneity of the hand and the depth of the fire.
The history of the Ōhi lineage is unique. After seven continuous generations, the direct line was temporarily interrupted at the end of the 19th century. The lineage was first continued by a student of the kiln, who took the name Eighth Ōhi Chōzaemon, before being restored by the direct descendants of the Seventh Master. It is within this original branch that Ōhi Chōraku, the eighth of that name in the main house, stands out, having restored the workshop to its former glory by combining fidelity to tradition with contemporary sensibility.
This bowl perfectly illustrates the aesthetics of Ōhi-yaki: a generous shape, hand-molded with supple grace, a deep golden-brown glaze, and an atmosphere of serenity conducive to tea tasting. Its soft texture and color warmed by the light evoke the simple and soothing beauty of wabi-cha, the art of finding perfection in imperfection.
Matcha Bowl – Ohi-yaki Amber Glaze
Choraku collection — Kanazawa
This matcha bowl, with its luminous amber tone, was created by Ōhi Chōraku (1889–1991), the eighth-generation master of the main Ōhi kiln in Kanazawa. The Ōhi-yaki tradition, a branch of the Raku lineage, originated with Ōhi Chōzaemon I, who established the kiln in Kanazawa in the late 17th century under the patronage of the Maeda clan. Known by his art name Tōgensai, Ōhi Chōraku carried forward this legacy with a refined sense of form and quiet intensity rooted in the tea ceremony.
Ōhi ware is best known for its amber glaze (ame-yū) — a type of iron-based glaze fired in an oxidizing atmosphere, producing warm, translucent hues ranging from honey to chestnut brown. This gentle, glossy surface harmonizes beautifully with the soft clay body typical of Raku, creating works that feel both earthy and luminous. Each bowl, shaped entirely by hand without a wheel, bears the living trace of the artist’s touch and the unpredictable breath of the kiln.
The Ōhi lineage has a complex history. After seven successive generations, the direct family line briefly ceased in the late Meiji era. The kiln was first continued by a disciple who took the name of the eighth Ōhi Chōzaemon, before being revived by the true descendants of the seventh master. Among them, Ōhi Chōraku, eighth of the main family line, restored the prestige of the Ōhi kiln, blending strict tradition with a poetic modern sensibility.
This bowl captures the essence of Ōhi-yaki: a softly rounded form, a glowing amber glaze, and a presence that invites stillness. Its tactile warmth and subtle brilliance embody the spirit of wabi-cha — the appreciation of simplicity, impermanence, and quiet beauty.
