Traditional Raku white clay, Black paint compound of iron and manganese for overglaze painting, Black Raku glaze (Kamo River stone), Fired in Black Raku kiln
This yakinuki-type Black Raku tea bowl with overglaze black painting, titled Rōbokubai (老木梅, Old Plum Tree), was created by Raku Jikinyū XV for his solo exhibition Raku Kichizaemon: Autumn 1999 – Spring 2005. One of only four examples of this specific yakinuki type shown among thirty-two tea bowls, the work represents a singular moment of experimentation that was never revisited for this exhibition.
Formed from traditional Raku white clay and fired in a black Raku kiln, the bowl’s surface is defined by kakeawase – the deliberate juxtaposition of finishes. Broad areas of unglazed clay emerge against a matte black Raku glaze made from Kamo River stone, creating a strong tonal contrast. Over the raw clay surface, bold black overglaze brushwork (composed of iron and manganese) has been applied with sweeping, rhythmic gestures reminiscent of Rinpa painting, yet unmistakably Jikinyū’s own. A matching tea bowl from this brief series, titled Ume Ichirin (“A Single Plum Blossom”), is held in the Raku Museum collection, underscoring the paired conception and rarity of this work.
Exhibitions
Raku Kichizaemon: Autumn 1999 – Spring 2005, Sagawa Art Museum JAPAN
