Vintage wood-fired Iga pottery chawan matcha tea bowl by the "grandfather of modern Iga" Kosei Tanimoto (Also pronounced Mitsuo Tanimoto), who was born in 1916 and dedicated most of his life as an important person in the revival of ancient tradition of Iga pottery. 

The chawan I am selling is tube tea bowl, tsutsugata-shape, with very vivid and rich natural ash glaze accumulation from the woodfiring where the ash from the wood-firing melts and vitrifies to the unglazed clay forming a natural glaze. The largest accumulations shows on the interior side of the bowl but the sides has dripping and oozing streams of glaze. The chawan has a very strong and heavy form. The thick bottom and foot gives more structural feel to the object and it's very good to hold and drink from it. 

The bowl is in excellent condition, no damage, no signs of use such as tea stain and no repairs. It's clearly signed with the artist signature mark. It comes without accessories - so only the bowl. No wooden box. 

Height: 9 cm

Diameter: 9,5 cm

Weight: 420 grams

Showa - era (1980s)

One of Kosei Tanimoto's most significant achievements is the pottery dynasty he founded. He directly trained and influenced subsequent generations who went on to achieve both national and international acclaim:

His Sons: His eldest son, Kei Tanimoto (b. 1948), and younger son, Yoh Tanimoto (b. 1958), both became highly celebrated potters. They built upon their father's foundation, blending traditional Iga techniques with contemporary and European art influences.  

His Grandson: Takashi Tanimoto (b. 1978) currently leads the next generation of Iga potters, incorporating modern pictorial elements while honoring his grandfather's legacy.