The Spirit of Mingei: A Dynamic Three-Color Chawan in the Legacy of Kawai Kanjiro.
Step into the vibrant world of Japanese mid-century modernism with this exceptional Chawan (tea bowl). This piece is a masterful tribute to the philosophy of the Mingei movement, specifically channeling the bold, experimental energy of the legendary Kawai Kanjiro.
Unlike more reserved traditional wares, this bowl features a dramatic "San-sai" (three-color) glaze flow. A brilliant Cinnabar (Sinsa) red meets deep, metallic Iron-black (Tetsu-yu) and vibrant Olive Green, creating a swirling, abstract landscape that feels both ancient and contemporary.
Artistic Vision & Presence
A Kinetic Masterpiece: The way the glazes melt and intermingle on the surface creates a sense of movement, a hallmark of Kanjiro’s late-career "Expressionist" period.
Substantial Tactility: At 421 grams, this bowl possesses a powerful, grounding weight. It is designed to be felt in the palms, embodying the "beauty in utility" that defines the Mingei aesthetic.
A Painterly Canvas: The interior reveals the same dramatic transitions, providing a stunning, colorful backdrop for the vivid green of Matcha.
Style: Kawai Kanjiro Style (Mingei Tradition).
Glaze: Triple-glaze: Cinnabar (Red), Iron-black, and Olive.
Era: Mid-Showa (1950s-1960s).
Dimensions: 11.5 cm Width x 9.4 cm Height.
Weight: 421 g.
Condition: Pristine / Ideal Vintage Condition. No chips, cracks, or repairs.
Provenance & Context
This bowl is a high-level studio work consistent with the artistic vocabulary of the Kawai dynasty. It was sourced from a private collection and is offered without its original wooden box (tomobako), making it an accessible masterpiece for those who prioritize artistic quality and the spirit of the Mingei movement.
Heritage Investment
For the collector of Japanese studio ceramics or the tea practitioner looking for a vessel that breaks the mold, this three-color chawan is a definitive choice. It is a testament to an era when Japanese potters redefined the boundaries of clay an fire
