Blog 7: The Chawan of Fokko the Japanese Man (guest blog)

First of all, I would like to sincerely thank Fokko, better known as The Japanese Man, for writing the blog below.

ありがとう

The Chawan (Matcha bowl, tea ceremony bowl)

A chawan is a tea bowl specifically made for preparing matcha. (cha = tea, wan = bowl) 

In this blog post, I'd like to share my knowledge of the chawan and the Japanese tea ceremony. I'd also like to take you on a journey into the world of this remarkable utensil and ritual. I'll cover a brief history, the design, the making process, and the chawan's use in the Japanese tea ceremony. I'll also discuss the different styles and types of chawan. Chawan come in all shapes, sizes, and qualities. They are usually made of ceramic (earthenware or stoneware) and sometimes of glass. They are handcrafted or machine-made.

Of course, you can choose your own way to drink your matcha. But perhaps a look into the world of chawan will provide new inspiration. And drinking matcha from a well-chosen chawan will create an even more special Zen moment. If you're already a matcha drinker, you already know that you need a large tea bowl. Large enough to whisk and froth the matcha powder with the special tea whisk (chasen).

From a young age, I developed an interest in ancient Japanese art and culture. Almost 20 years ago, I began creating a Japanese garden. Since then, the garden has been perfected and has grown into a Japanese tea garden. The Japanese tea ceremony then became my next focus. As the garden progressed and I studied the tea ceremony, I thought: how nice would it be to serve tea to my guests from homemade chawan? I went to Japan for a month for inspiration and deepening my knowledge. Afterward, I started working in my ceramics studio. Recently, I was able to participate in a masterclass with a professional chawan maker from Kyoto. This allowed me to perfect my technique. During the summer months I hold tea ceremonies for small groups in my Japanese garden, in my own unique way.

Preparing a bowl of matcha is a special experience in itself. It takes time and attention to brew the tea properly. This is why matcha is also the ideal tea for ceremonial purposes, such as the Japanese tea ceremony. The water temperature must be right, and the correct whisking method and duration require some practice. The quality of the matcha is also crucial. 

Drinking a bowl of matcha transports you to another world. It evokes associations of greenery, tranquility, and purity. For some, the taste takes some getting used to. But that was certainly the case with their first coffee, beer, or wine. Besides its health benefits, this precious product deserves a well-chosen chawan.

The use of a chawan in the Japanese tea ceremony, along with the ritualistic actions, has shaped its appearance. Form and function complement each other. The philosophy of the tea ceremony also influences the style and appearance of the chawan. This style is linked to the life philosophy of wabi-sabi. It is called "wabi-cha" in the design of objects and utensils related to the tea ceremony.

Imperfection is an important part of crafting a chawan. The signature… "the soul of the maker" (kokoro) should be visible.

A key figure in shaping the Japanese tea ceremony is tea master Sen No Rikyu (1522-1591). His vision and reform of the tea ceremony have shaped the modern tea ceremony. In his spirit, it remains an important part of Japanese culture. It also enjoys worldwide recognition because of its universal character. 

Summer chawan with matcha

The chawan in Japan

The development of the chawan in Japan is a fascinating journey through the centuries, steeped in art, craft, and the evolution of the tea ceremony. 

Because there were no tea plants in Japan, this may have led to a unique tea culture. The spread of tea to Japan is attributed to Buddhist monks who visited China and brought tea seeds with them. In Chinese monastic temples, meditating monks would fortify themselves with a bowl of matcha to maintain their meditations. Tea was initially considered a medicinal beverage.

The earliest influences on the Japanese tea bowl came from China, where tea had been consumed for centuries. China already had a rich tradition of making tea bowls. These early bowls, known as "Tenmoku" bowls, were often coarsely fired and featured characteristic glazes, such as the familiar "oil slick" and "hare fur" patterns. Copies of bowls from Korea and China were also made in Japan. The craft was sometimes even literally shipped to Japan. Entire Korean workshops, including the potters, were brought to Japan. In the development of the tea ceremony as we know it today, there are a number of important people who have influenced the tea ceremony and the development of the chawan

Brief overview.

The Muromachi period (1336-1573) marked the rise of the tea ceremony in Japan. Artists and tea masters, including Sen no Rikyu, began to pay attention to the aesthetics of tea bowls. Rikyu strove for simplicity and minimalism, and his influence led to the development of wabi-cha, which emphasized the aesthetics of simplicity and modesty. Chawan from this period were often hand-formed, with irregular shapes and simple glazes.

The Golden Age of the Chawan was the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1603) 

With the rise of tea gatherings under the influence of the powerful Warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, artists like Chōjirō, a potter and tile maker from Kyoto, created tea bowls that became known as "Raku tea bowls." These bowls were often hand-formed, coarsely textured, and unglazed. They were highly prized in wabi-cha for their simplicity. During the Edo period (1603-1868), the appreciation for simplicity and tranquility in the tea ceremony remained. However, the chawan also saw decorative developments, with artists such as Ogata Kenzan and Nin'ami Dohachi becoming known for their refined decorations and glazing techniques.

With the modernization of Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912) and subsequent eras, tea bowl production methods changed. Factory production was introduced, and several new styles emerged. 

Contemporary potters draw on both traditional and contemporary design elements, and there are now diverse styles, from traditional to modern and experimental chawan. The development of the chawan in Japan reflects not only changes in craft techniques but also shifts in aesthetic values ​​and social practices such as the tea ceremony. Chawan making has become an art form that is both rooted in tradition and open to innovation and creativity.

There's a Facebook group called Yakimono (fired thing). There, potters from all over the world showcase their creations. It's fascinating how the flavor and tradition of the respective country often shine through.

Chawan with kiribako (box)

Shift of values

During its heyday, a veritable frenzy and playful trade arose around tea ceremony objects, including the chawan. The value of a chawan could skyrocket. For some, you could even buy a castle. It became a decadent trade for the wealthy. This gave tea gatherings an even more decadent character. The reason for the rise in value of teaware lay hidden in several factors. 

Craft Excellence: 

Tea ceremony utensils were often handmade by skilled artisans, such as potters, woodworkers, and lacquerers. These artisans often honed their skills over many years, resulting in intricately crafted and unique objects. This level of craftsmanship contributed to the value of the utensils.

Symbolic Meaning:

The objects used in the tea ceremony were imbued with symbolic meaning. Everything, from the chawan to the teaspoon, had a specific function and symbolized certain philosophical concepts, such as simplicity, transience, and respect for nature. This deep-rooted symbolism enhanced the value of these objects.

Cultural Appreciation:

Japanese culture has always had a strong appreciation for craftsmanship and art. Tea ceremony utensils were considered works of art in their own right, and owning them was seen as an expression of good taste and cultural refinement. They were not only functional objects but also aesthetic works of art.

Connectedness with Nature:

Many utensils used in the tea ceremony were made from natural materials, such as clay, wood, bamboo, and lacquer. The choice of these materials emphasized the connection with nature, a central concept in the tea ceremony. The careful selection of materials and the craftsmanship that went with them contributed to the value of the objects.

Limited Production:

Some tea ceremony utensils were deliberately produced in limited quantities. This could be due to the limited availability of high-quality raw materials, the complexity of the production process, or the desire for exclusivity. This limited availability contributed to the rarity and value of these objects.

Role in Social Status:

In some cases, precious tea ceremony utensils were also used to display social status and prestige. Owning unique and valuable objects was considered a sign of wealth and refinement. In short, the high value of tea ceremony utensils in Japan reflected the profound meaning and aesthetic of the tea ceremony itself, and they were considered an integral part of Japanese cultural tradition.

Chawan with wagashi (Japanese sweet)

Hideyoshi's Golden Tea Room

Toyotomi Hideyoshi was one of the most remarkable men in Japanese history. Following in the footsteps of his lord Oda Nobunaga, he succeeded in unifying Japan. He later invaded Korea. He is also known for his cultural legacy . Hydeyoshi, who had risen from humble beginnings, liked to display his wealth and power in fashionable gold lamé kimonos. His tea advisor, Sen no Rikyu, advocated that the tea ceremony be open to everyone, regardless of rank or status. A no-go for Hideyoshi. He may have felt this was a downsizing of his already established status and power. Resulting in a breeding ground for escalating tensions. 

One of the high points (or low points) in Japan's tea ceremony history was Hideyoshi's commission to build a completely golden tea room, complete with golden utensils. As a gesture for his subjects, he organized a mega tea ceremony at a temple complex in Kyoto (Kitano Tenmangū). It was attended by a large number of people, including Rikyu. It is recorded in history as "the Great Kitano Tea Ceremony." His own golden chamber was set up there. A greater contrast with the direction his own tea advisor, Rikyu, had taken was hardly conceivable. His tea master and advisor, Sen no Rikyu, favored the austere wabi-cha style and philosophy. 

Tensions between Hideyoshi and Rikyu escalated to the point that Hideyoshi ordered Rikyu to commit suicide in 1591. Had Rikyu apologized, this might have been averted. But his belief became a statement…even if he had to pay for it with his life. And so it happened… How Japanese do you want it to be? 

The story is a bit too simplistic…and much more complex. And, in reality, shrouded in multiple riddles and guesswork… Interpretations surrounding Rikyu's death have been filmed and described several times. 

Tip: Film: 'Death of a Tea-Master', from 1985. Available on YouTube (with English subtitles) 

Rikyu's tea hut

The trend toward the wabi-cha style of ceremony was already underway in Zen Buddhism. And Rikyu followed in the footsteps of Murata Jukō, who, influenced by this Zen Buddhism, practiced a more simplified approach to tea. Drinking a cup of tea with a guest should be about friendship, not status, through the display of wealth. With distracting, gleaming, ornately decorated tea bowls, in golden pavilions, dressed in eccentric, colorful robes. Tea for everyone, regardless of rank or status. And that requires a suitable chawan… Preparing tea, in a simple chawan in a harmonious natural setting, became the means of showing respect to the guest. The focus shifted to the unique moment of togetherness, in harmony. Instead of the overwhelming distractions of luxury and power. The atmosphere became rustic, inspired by the simplicity of farm life. 

The entrance to the tea hut was deliberately small (75x75 cm) so that everyone had to bow to participate, regardless of rank or status. As a sign of equality, the tea ceremony became accessible. The first chawan in this wabi-cha movement used for tea ceremonies were, among other things, simple, imperfect rice bowls from Korea. 

The tea hut was built with wood, clay, bamboo, and rustic materials, set in a stylized, seemingly natural garden. The utensils were also understated. Yet possessing a powerful and restrained beauty. Almost always linked to nature and the seasons. Within this style lies a hidden beauty for all who wish to see it. Subdued hues, natural materials, organic shapes. Embracing vulnerability, transience, imperfection, and the melancholy of the past. With humanity as part of nature, handed down… and part of… the laws of nature. Vulnerable as a cherry blossom.

Besides confirming friendships and celebrating life events, the ceremony also served as neutral ground in the then very violent era. Bickering samurai had to store their swords outside because of the small entrance. And through drinking tea and showing respect, following the ceremonial protocol devised by Rikyu, disputes could be discussed and, at best, settled.

Rikyu's austere tea hut could apparently rival Hideyoshi's golden tea room. And perhaps Hideyoshi shot himself in the foot with the "great Kitano ceremony" by leaving the door ajar for the common man. And luckily, Rikyu was there.

Small entrance to the tea hut | Japan

450 Years of Japanese Tea Ceremony

How would you define the Japanese tea ceremony, based on Rikyu's ideas?

Very simple: 'Preparing tea for a friend' in harmony (wa), respect (kei), simplicity (sei) and transparency (jaku)

And in a slightly more elaborate description:

The Japanese tea ceremony, also known as cha-no-yu (hot water for tea) or cha-do (way of tea), is a Japanese tradition that elevates tea drinking to an art form. A tea ceremony consists of a series of predetermined steps performed one after the other to ensure optimal enjoyment of the tea, while prioritizing the guest and the moment through harmony, respect, simplicity, and transparency.

The aesthetics of the tea ceremony reflect the Japanese values ​​of simplicity, modesty and attention to detail.

The ceremonial space, the "chaji," is carefully decorated with attention to symbolism, floral arrangements, and calligraphy. It's usually themed, often reflecting the season.

• The preparation and sharing of tea are considered meditative acts that promote a sense of inner peace.
• The ceremony serves as a social occasion, where people come together to have deep conversations and nurture connections.
• The Western world values ​​the tea ceremony as a sanctuary of tranquility, a source of aesthetic inspiration, and a bridge between cultures.

It's possible to become a "tea master" yourself (named after Rikyu). To do so, you attend an official tea school (Urasenke). And then you even receive a tea name. A tea master chooses the chawan… and the style. The tea master also gives the chawan a name, usually in a poetic sense. And as a true tea master you can lead the more official ceremonies. Performing a tea ceremony is quite a concept, by the way. You can perform a ceremony for a guest, or for yourself. This can easily be done with some tea supplies you've gathered. Or you can look for the "real stuff."

Tea ceremony supplies 

Number 1: The black Raku-chawan

Rikyu, constantly refining his ideas, commissioned tile and roof tile maker Chōjirō to create rustic black bowls, coarse and hand-carved. The potter, originally from Korea, also worked for Hideyoshi, making, among other things, the roof tiles for his palace. These chawan were Raku-fired, a Korean-Chinese technique in which a deep black glaze is achieved through rapid cooling from the kiln. Imperfections and manufacturing marks were allowed to remain visible and are part of the aesthetic. A true Raku chawan can be recognized by a scar in the glaze, from the tongs used to remove the chawan from the fire. Chōjirō's first Raku chawan are on display at the Raku Museum in Kyoto. These cultural treasures of Japan are beautifully displayed in this small museum, a true place of pilgrimage for enthusiasts from around the world. The museum grounds are also the place where chawan have been made for many generations. 

The name 'Raku', which means 'joy/pleasure', was the name for the technique, but was also given as the name of the family. There's a difference between Japanese Raku and Western Raku, where the focus is more on the crackle effect. Japanese Raku is more restrained. 

Numbers 2 and 3: the Hagi-chawan and then the Karatsu chawan

These styles are also characterised by sobriety. A different and more decorative style was that of tea master Furuta Oribe. He was a follower of Rikyu and preferred more decorative chawan, with spontaneous, sketchy iron oxide decorations on a light background, accented with green or black glaze. A folk art-like style, comparable to the Dutch "boerenbont," so to speak.

Number 4: Oribe-style chawan

The deep black Raku-chawan with the perfectly contrasting bright green matcha, in the austere tea room, was the 'Holy Grail' for Rikyu. But the understated, stylized black Raku chawan wasn't the end point in the chawan's development. Perhaps it was a new beginning. The tea ceremony can be seen as a complete work of art, incorporating many disciplines. Besides the garden art in which the ceremony takes place, the tea hut also features a simple display of decorative objects such as calligraphy, paintings, and flower arrangements. 

Raku museum Kyoto | chawan of Chōjirō

The Craft & Perfect Imperfection

Chawans are now made all over the world. But shaping a perfectly imperfect chawan is not easy. For potters, the chawan is an inspiring yet challenging subject. The balance between simplicity and expressiveness is precarious. It's easy to miss the mark, and the bowl becomes self-indulgent, distracting, or cluttered. You'll pass it by at the thrift store, so to speak. Simplicity proves time and again to be the best option. A statement I once read in a ceramics book struck me as striking: a chawan isn't "made" but "becomes."

And there are artists who create avant-garde chawan… who ignore all the rules and approach the chawan more as an object. As a unique artistic ode to the traditional concept of the tea ceremony. The chawan thus becomes a work of art in its own right. And often not really suitable for preparing and drinking matcha.

There are 2 main types of chawan, 

The winter bowl, a closed, more conical shape with usually dark glazes, to suggest warmth in the winter cold as comfort for the guest. And the summer bowl. A wider bowl with cooler glazes. To evoke coolness for guests in the hot, sultry Japanese summers.

There are even more variations. Narrower or wider. The weight also varies. All linked to the ideal size (golden ratio) of approximately 13 cm wide and 8 cm high. Of course, the chawan must also be functional in order to prepare the matcha. Within these frameworks, the possibilities for expression are endless. Each chawan should be unique and have its own character. Machine-pressed chawans, in this light, are naturally a kind of clone. 

To give a chawan a personal touch, it is traditionally shaped by hand rather than on a potter's wheel. The technique is called "kurinuki," which means "hollowing out." A rough model of the chawan is made, which, after drying until leather-hard, is then carved with special, simple tools. The order of carving is important and requires considerable practice. The turntable is used, but special tricks are used to slightly unbalance the regular shape to avoid creating a dull, symmetrical chawan. Creating this "imperfection" is difficult and requires considerable insight. And a practiced eye for balance. "Making a chawan" as a Google search yields interesting videos illustrating this technique.

Chawan studio | Groningen

A beautiful front is also part of the chawan. This can be a sketchy image or simply a lovely swirl in the glaze. When handing over the chawan during the tea ceremony, the bowl is rotated two times, with the beautiful side facing the guest. If the guest accepts it, they rotate the bowl two times… again, with the beautiful side facing the host. This represents a display of mutual respect.

The base of a chawan is low and wide to facilitate the tea ceremony. The bottom is often unglazed to provide grip. This prevents accidents, which would be quite a nuisance during a ceremony… spilling green matcha on the pristine tatami mats, which you're only allowed to slide across wearing clean, crisp white tabi socks…

Wabi Cha

Wabi-Cha tea hut