Tea Bowl
n.d.
Medium
Stoneware
Dimensions
8.6 × 12.1 cm (3 3/8 × 4 3/4 in.)
Classification
drinking vessel
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
185358
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts Asia collection, this stoneware tea bowl by Katountai exemplifies the refined simplicity of Japanese ceramics. Measuring a compact 8.6 × 12.1 cm, its modest scale invites intimate handling, perfect for the ritual of chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony. Crafted from stoneware—a durable, high-fired clay that yields a sturdy yet subtly textured surface—the bowl reflects time-honored techniques that prioritize natural imperfection over ornate decoration. Tea bowls like this one hold profound cultural significance in Japan, where they serve not just as...