Vintage - Mushiage Ware Matcha Bowl

This Matcha Bowl, crafted by Matsumoto Manabu, a modern ceramic artist from Okayama Prefecture, reflects the confluence of traditional Japanese pottery techniques and contemporary artistic sensibilities. Born in Showa 32 (1957), Matsumoto brings a refined understanding of clay and glaze that honors centuries-old methods while adding his personal creative touch.

The bowl features a subtle and muted beige glaze that softly transitions into warmer tones, giving the piece an understated yet sophisticated appearance. The visible gradation of color—ranging from light grayish beige to soft browns—along with natural variations in the texture of the glaze, highlights the artist’s mastery of kiln firing techniques. The unglazed foot (kodai), exposing the reddish-orange clay, serves as a striking contrast, emphasizing the bowl's connection to the earth.

The bowl’s form is functional yet elegant, with gentle horizontal lines that suggest a hand-thrown process. It is designed for the tea ceremony, where the interplay of aesthetics and utility are central. The smooth interior and wide, shallow profile allow for the preparation and whisking of matcha, while the exterior texture invites the holder to contemplate its tactile qualities.

Details

• Size: 12.5cm x H8.5cm (4.9in x H3.3in)
• Material: Poterry
• Origin: Made in Japan
  
• Period: Contemporary
• Author:  Matsumoto Manabu