Sohen Kuro Chawan

Hiroshi Goseki trained under Living National Treasure Jun Isezaki before establishing his kiln in Ibaraki. This is a Sohen-Kuro (Blue-Black) tea bowl by Hiroshi Goseki.

This piece features a black glaze that clearly reveals the influence of the Isezaki lineage. Because the areas where natural ash glaze has accumulated turn a cobalt blue, it has been given the title "Sohen-Kuro."

Over the calm, slightly greenish *kigoma* (yellow sesame-like glaze), a rich, cobalt-blue firing effect emerges, truly befitting the name "Sohen."

The interior presents a different atmosphere from the exterior, displaying a matte black tone mixed with silver. Together with the fine wrinkles and small pits formed within, it evokes the impression of charcoal.

For this work, the form was initially built using slab construction before being carefully adjusted and refined by hand. The resulting shape is exceptional, conveying both the quiet dignity and subtle movement reminiscent of a Raku tea bowl.

The foot also reflects Goseki’s profound study of tea ceramics and the tea ceremony. Within its energetic and sharp design, a calm sense of maturity is beginning to emerge.

Born in Chiba Prefecture in 1988.
Became a student of Jun Isezaki in 2013.
Became an independent potter in 2017 and built a kiln in Ibaraki Prefecture in 2019.