This black Raku tea bowl by Raku Keinyū XI dates to the artist’s middle period (c. 1856–1870), as indicated by the presence of his middle seal, placing its creation most likely in his forties. Unusually large for Keinyū, the bowl has a powerful presence, defined by an undulating rim and a subtly modulated body. Technically sophisticated trimming applied around the foot ring and the overall neatness of execution demonstrate Keinyū’s mature control at this stage of his career.
Formed from traditional Raku white clay, likely sourced from the Ōkame area south of Kyoto, and fired in a black Raku kiln, the bowl is finished with a glossy black glaze derived from Kamo River stone, characteristic of Keinyū’s work. The bowl was originally named Chitose (“Thousand Years”); the name Oimatsu (“Old Pine”) was later added by Hōunsai of Urasenke (15th-generation Grand Master of the Urasenke school of Japanese tea), further emphasizing themes of longevity and endurance.
