Red Raku-Yaki Matcha Bowl Aka-Raku

Raku-Yaki 

Raku-yaki is one of Japan’s most treasured pottery traditions, created for the spirit of the tea ceremony. Shaped gently by hand and fired with care, each piece carries an intimacy that reflects the wabi-sabi philosophy. The earliest bowls appeared in deep red (aka-raku) and black (kuro-raku), hues thought to harmonize perfectly with the vivid green of matcha. Over time, white, amber, and the rare Oribe green were also born, yet red and black remain the most revered companions for tea. Soft and warm to the touch, Raku bowls breathe with life, absorbing moisture and slowly developing a patina that deepens their beauty with age.

This noble tradition began around 1579, when the artisan Chōjirō, guided by the legendary tea master Sen no Rikyū, shaped the first Raku bowl. For centuries since, the Raku family has safeguarded this artistry, continuing to create exceptional bowls in Kyoto—vessels that embody both simplicity and profound elegance in the world of tea.

Aka-Raku 

Red Raku (赤楽) is born from fine, iron-rich clay, whose gentle crimson glow is considered in Japan the perfect companion to the vivid green of matcha—a union of colours long cherished as the pinnacle of elegance. This precious clay is carefully unearthed and safeguarded by the Raku family, preserved for the hands of future generations. Layer upon layer of kamogawa-ishi glaze is applied with care, then sealed beneath a transparent veil of raku glaze. Unlike black Raku, these bowls are fired at lower temperatures, removed from the kiln while still glowing after a brief 25 minutes, and cooled swiftly in the open air. The result is a vessel of warmth and quiet beauty, carrying centuries of tradition in its luminous red surface.

Dimension

• Diameter: 11 cm * Height: 8 cm (Standard Matcha Bowl Size)

Packaging

• The Matcha Bowl comes in a sophisticated wooden box. A perfect choice as a gift.