Mini Katakuchi Matcha Bowl — Olive Ash-Type Glaze, Crackle, Spiral Well

This mini spouted bowl (katakuchi) is covered in a soft olive-green glaze with a warm, earthy character. The glaze is speckled throughout with tiny dark iron spots from the clay and runs over the surface with subtle variations in tone, from pale sage along the rim to deeper olive where it gathers on the lower body. A fine crackle runs through the glaze inside and out. In a few places, small rust-orange iron spots have bloomed through during firing.

The body is wheel-thrown, with gentle throwing rings and a few soft hand-pressed dents on the exterior, which give it a relaxed, unforced shape. The spout is formed by pinching and folding the rim outward, and a small round hole is pierced through the wall behind it so the tea flows cleanly. Inside, a clear throwing spiral (uzu) curls in the well (chadamari), echoing the rotation of the wheel and drawing the eye to the centre of the bowl.

Details:

• Origin: Japanese studio pottery (kiln/maker unconfirmed; no visible seal. Let me know if you know the kiln or have a box)

• Form: Mini spouted bowl (katakuchi), rounded body with pinched spout and pierced opening

• Clay: Pale buff stoneware with iron speckling, visible at the foot

• Glaze: Olive-green ash-type glaze with fine crackle, dark iron speckles and small rust-orange iron spots

• Decoration: No applied motif; throwing spiral in the well and gentle hand-pressed dents on the exterior

• Base: Unglazed trimmed foot showing buff clay

• Condition: Good secondhand condition. Crackle, speckling and iron spots are part of the glaze and firing. Please see photos for any chips or wear

• Quantity: Single bowl only. The chasen (bamboo whisk) is shown for scale and styling and is not included

• Dimensions: (Ø) approx. 10.5cm (excluding spout) x (H) approx. 5.5cm