Sohen Kuro Chawan

Hiroshi Goseki trained under Jun Isezaki, a Living National Treasure, and later established his kiln in Ibaraki. This is a Sohen-Kuro Chawan by Hiroshi Goseki.

This piece uses the black coating that immediately reveals the influence of the Isezaki lineage. Since the areas where natural ash glaze has accumulated turn cobalt blue, it has been given the title “Sohen-Kuro.”

Over the calm Kigoma, which contains a slight greenish nuance, a rich cobalt-blue fire effect appears, truly befitting the name “Sohen.”

The interior presents a different atmosphere from the exterior, showing a matte black tone mixed with silver. Together with the fine wrinkles and small holes formed inside, it gives the impression of charcoal.

For this work, the form was first built up to a certain degree using slab construction, and then carefully adjusted and refined by hand. The resulting shape is excellent, conveying both the quiet dignity and subtle movement reminiscent of a Raku Chawan.

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