Anagama No.40 - Chawan

I am Anagama No.40 Chawan. Warm and unpredictable, I’m the chawan with stories etched all around me. From my kiln-fired hues to the tomobako I call home, I’m a little piece of tradition wrapped in a dash of mystery. Go ahead—explore every side.   Curator's Notes  The Chawan is often regarded as the pinnacle of an artisan’s craft—a piece that captures both the essence of the maker and the spirit of the user. This Anagama No.40 Chawan, with its warm golden burnt umber hues, is no exception. Through the unique and temperamental firing process of the Anagama kiln, the chawan takes on an incredible variety of textures and tones, making each side a different experience to explore. We love that Keisuke Iwata has paired it with a beautifully signed tomobako box, a traditional wooden container that protects the piece and signifies its importance. The box, much like the chawan, carries a sense of reverence and ritual, underscoring the connection between the artist’s hand and the piece itself. From the base to the rim, interior to exterior, every surface tells a story—inviting contemplation and celebrating the unpredictability of the firing process. We really appreciate how this chawan harmonizes craftsmanship, nature, and tradition, with each texture waiting to be discovered.   Anagama No. 40 - Chawan was curated by Angélique Chmielewski   Designer/Maker  Artist: Keisuke Iwata     Specifications Dimensions:  5.8" (w) x 5.8" (l) x 2.8" (h) or 147mm (w) x 147mm (l) x 71mm (h)   Weight:  0.7 lbs or 0.3 kg   Materials:  Ceramic   Details One-of-a-kind chawan handcrafted by Keisuke Iwata in Fukuoka, Japan An Anagama kiln fired piece Packaged in a 'tomobako', a signed wooden 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 Created using an ancient Japanese ceramic technique that involves an Anagama woodfired kiln, fired in a ceremonial process by Keisuke Iwata  Anagama works are each unique to the clay's own intimate interactions with the flames and ash Handwash with a mild soap and soft cloth