This chawan offers a different perspective on traditional Hagi pottery. While Hagi is often associated with warm, apricot-colored clay, this bowl is finished in the Seigan (青萩) style, or “Blue Hagi.”
Hagi ware (萩焼 – Hagi-yaki) originates from the town of Hagi in Yamaguchi Prefecture and is regarded as one of the most prestigious styles for the tea ceremony, ranked alongside Raku and Karatsu in the proverb "First Raku, second Hagi, third Karatsu" (一楽二萩三唐津). While traditional Hagi is often known for its milky white or loquat-colored glazes, this chawan features a Celadon (青磁 – Seiji) glaze. This style overlays the soft characteristic of Hagi with the cool, jade-like hues of celadon. The glaze doesn’t sit flat on the surface; it has movement, pooling in the center and dripping slightly towards the base. The shape is relaxed and slightly asymmetrical, fitting naturally into the palms.
Looking into the bowl, you will see a dense network of fine lines called Kannyu (貫入 – fine crackling). Because the clay underneath is coarse and porous, this bowl will change over time. This is a famous characteristic called Hagi no Nanabake (萩の七化け), which translates to “the seven transformations of Hagi.” As you whisk matcha in it day after day, the tea's tannins will seep into the crackles, gradually darkening them and adding depth to the color. The bowl you have today will look different a few years from now.
The thick, glossy application of the blue glaze creates a striking contrast where it meets the exposed, coarse orange clay at the foot ring (高台 – Koudai). This bowl embraces the wabi-sabi aesthetic, finding beauty in the natural movement of the liquid glaze and the raw, unrefined earth visible at the base.
Capacity: 12fl oz / 355ml
Material: Pottery. Glazed.
Size: 3 x 4.5inch / 7.5 x 11.5cm
NOTE: Each Chawan is handcrafted, making each matcha bowl unique. The Chawan delivered may not be exactly as pictured but will be crafted in the same style, shape, and spirit.
NOTE: Avoid using detergents when cleaning.