Antique Shino Tea Bowl Sake Tokkuri, Edo Glaze Kannyu, Boxed Gift

Made in the mid-to-late Edo period, the piece is admired as an Antique Shino Tea Bowl with a thick, glass-like Shino glaze, visible kan'nyu crazing, and a spout-like rim that allows use as a sake flask or serving bowl. Years of natural aging and firing history produce a subtle wabi-sabi surface—soft discoloration, faint scratches, and textured depth—that highlights the bowl's ceramic body and three-dimensional character; the accompanying wooden box makes it suitable for a thoughtful, refined gift. Its modest dimensions and 304g weight suit collectors and practical users who appreciate traditional Japanese pottery in daily use and display indoors.

Description

This Antique Shino Tea Bowl presents the tactile, layered surface that defines Shino ware: a thick, glassy glaze that pooled and reacted during firing to produce subtle variations in color and texture. The spout-like section on the rim introduces functional versatility, allowing the piece to serve as a small pouring vessel or a sake tokkuri-style flask in addition to use as a tea bowl or serving dish. The three-dimensional quality of the glaze and the controlled irregularities reflect traditional Japanese aesthetics and practical kiln technique.

Materials and glaze

The bowl is ceramic Shino ware characterized by a high-viscosity glaze that melts to form a glass-like coating during firing. As the vessel cooled, differential contraction created fine crazing—kan'nyu—throughout the glaze. These natural glaze patterns are an expected and valued aspect of antique Shino pieces and contribute to the wabi-sabi expression.

Size, weight, and handling

With a height of approximately 4.5 cm and a width near 14 cm, this bowl is compact enough for tabletop use and display. The 304 g weight provides a reassuring hand-feel without being cumbersome. The spout-like rim should be handled gently to avoid chipping along the lip; the wooden box offers protective storage when the piece is not in use.

Condition and provenance

The listing reflects the bowl’s mid-to-late Edo period origin and natural aging. Condition is described as good overall; small surface scratches and traces of dirt are present from long-term use and storage, consistent with age. No restorations, modern alterations, or added materials are represented in this listing.

Gift presentation

A wooden box is included, making the bowl appropriate as a considered, refined gift for collectors of Japanese ceramics or for use in ceremonial and everyday settings. The boxed presentation supports safe transport and storage.

Care recommendations

Clean gently by hand with a soft cloth and mild, non-abrasive detergent; avoid prolonged soaking and sudden temperature changes to protect the ceramic body and glaze. If used for liquids, dry

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Standard terms apply. Any import duties, local taxes, or customs clearance fees under your country's regulations are the responsibility of the buyer upon delivery (DDU).

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• We accept returns within 7 days of delivery. For returns due to buyer’s remorse or personal reasons (e.g., changed your mind), the buyer is responsible for all round-trip shipping costs (original shipping + return shipping) and any applicable processing fees. The refund will be processed once the item is returned safely in its original condition.

🌸 ANTIQUE & VINTAGE CONDITION NOTE

• Please note that our items are authentic antiques and vintage pieces. As they have traveled through history, they naturally carry signs of age, including scratches, minor wear, or stains. We take detailed photos of every angle; please examine all photos carefully to understand the current condition before placing your order.

thoroughly before returning to the wooden box to prevent moisture damage.

FAQ

Q: Is the kan'nyu (crazing) a defect?

A: Kan'nyu is a natural glaze characteristic for Shino ware and a sign of authentic aging; it is not listed as a defect but as part of the glaze texture.

Q: Can this piece be used for serving sake or tea?

A: Yes—its spout-like rim allows for pouring as a sake flask, and the shallow bowl form also functions for tea or small servings.

Q: Does the wooden box fit the bowl securely?

A: The wooden box included is provided to protect and present the bowl; it is intended for storage and gift presentation.

Q: Are there any repairs or restorations?

A: The condition notes indicate small scratches and surface dirt from age; no repairs or restorations are described in this listing.