Fine Ceramic Tea Bowl with Brilliant Glaze by Toshiko Takaezu

A ceramic tea bowl (chawan) by Japanese American artist Toshiko Takaezu (American, 1922 - 2011) circa 1980s. The hand-built form shows a near perfect round form supported by a short foot ring. The surface is covered with an earthy deep-brown glaze in with layering and dripping effects. The subtle colors of beige, yellow and slight blue and green forming mottled layers that literally resemble the geological formation of the earth. A few thick strokes of lighter glazes were left dripping down the exterior of. The interior also has mottled glaze with intentional wabi-sabi visual and a lovely blue-greenish circumventing ring. Despite of its relatively small size, the decoration on this bowl is particularly striking with a sense of Zen and meditation. The base bears the incised mark of the artist.
The artist's work was heavily influenced by the Japanese ceramic tradition and aesthetics. This bowl, with its overall subdued colors contrasting with the restrained subtle brightness, is a great example that reflects the philosophy of the potter.