Japanese+tea+bowls

Japanese tea bowls, called chawan, are used to drink matcha, the powdered green tea used in the Japanese tea ceremony. The first chawan was probably imported from China along with green tea. Over time, however, chawan developed a distinct style that expresses the ideals of the Japanese tea ceremony and makes them perfect for matcha. [|Japanese Tea Ceremony] - Traditional Ritual Explained Two Styles At first, the tea ceremony was performed with smooth ceramic tenmoku tea bowls. However, during the 16th century, tea master Sen Rikyu began searching for a new style of tea bowl that better expressed his philosophy of wabi, which involves appreciating the beauty of simplicity. He found what he sought in the rough-textured, unglazed pottery made by a Korean potter named Raku Cho-jiro. This type of tea bowl is known as Raku in his honor. Raku Cho-jiro's descendents still make these tea bowls, although they are extremely expensive.
 * Raku Chawan**