Is this a Chawan?

[shyrabbit]

I wanted to start this topic to prompt discussion regarding the functional characteristics and requirements of a chawan. I'm interested in understanding those properties of the best chawan that are objective and those that are subjective and what the limits might be.

I will start by posting images of a ceramic bowl that may or may not be a chawan, as described by its maker. Please contribute your knowledge, questions and comments and please post images that further this topic.

Thank you in advance,
Michael
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This bowl is attributed to Ajiki Hiro (b. 1948)
2-1/4" h. x 7" dia.
Is this a Chawan?

[Chip]

Great topic! Let's learn together I hope.

My very limited observations.

Looks like a rather wide summer chawan? Summer because it is low and wide and tapered. This would allow for more heat loss and a cooler bowl of matcha.

[shyrabbit]

Maybe...but this bowl is 7" across!

[Chip]

The lower and more tapered a chawan is, the wider it will tend to be.

A chawan with vertical sides will tend to be around 4.8" wide. As a chawan gets lower and more tapered, it tends to widen as well.

TBH, I don't know if 7" is very wide given the extreme taper and rather low profile of this bowl.

The added width is also a plus in order to hold the matcha? If the chawan was 4.8" with the taper, the matcha might be hard to control?

[Geekgirl]

I've seen chawan this wide, and while I personally find them unwieldy at anything over 6-1/4" or so, I believe some showcase (ceremonial) usages might allow such a thing. I think I saw cory mention that some showpiece chawan were of extra-ordinary dimension.

IMO, these extremely large chawan would be for the display or art purposes only, and not meant for daily use, nevertheless, still chawan.

Fascinating glaze.

[Victoria]

On the other hand it might just be a bowl. I think it is up to the artist to say the intent. The buyer may decide to use it for which it is intended or otherwise. I wouldn't use bowl over 6", as Geek says they do become unwieldy.

[Maitre_Tea]

I think the kodai might be a little difficult to handle, but that's just in my limited experience. I personally think because of that, it's probably not a Chawan; although it's ultimately up to the user to decide that for themself

[TIM]

...IMO, these extremely large chawan would be for the display or art purposes only, and not meant for daily use, nevertheless, still chawan.

Fascinating glaze.

I agreed Geekgirl



This one is a wider size I've seen for summer usage. 5" is at my max comfort level.

[Victoria]

My summer bowl is right at 6"

[Chip]

Too big, too small becomes very subjective it seems. 6" would not be a problem in a Summer bowl for me. 7" does seem BIG. But til I try it ...

[bonjiri]

i'd say yes it can be used as a masculine 'jawan' for a dude w/ large hands like mines.

its a natsu jawan to me

an interesting note from my teacher (sensei). in tea, anything can be used ! hehe ! its true !

there is a otemae where a huge chawan is used complete w/ a huge chasen. whoa ! the 'jawan' in this ceremony is almost 2 feet or more in diameter and u get assistance in holding the chawan when u drink it ! honest !

i think the question can be, 'can this be used?" in otemae. yes !

humbly, c

[Geekgirl]

cory, (sorry if this is out of the correct forum,) don't you have a chawan on your etsy that is 7" diameter?

Seems to me that if it is well-balanced, it would work fine, except perhaps for very small hands.

[bonjiri]

cory, (sorry if this is out of the correct forum,) don't you have a chawan on your etsy that is 7" diameter?

Seems to me that if it is well-balanced, it would work fine, except perhaps for very small hands.

agreed

y, i do have a chawan that is 7-inches wide

if it's wider it might be challenging

i feel the koudai is most important. if there is no foot. that would a question...

hehe !

can i 'share' photographs from my books ??

[Geekgirl]

I believe "fair use" allows scans for non-commercial illustrative purposes with attribution.

[bonjiri]

shared from infoseek

aloha !

around 5 inches wide.



what about this foot ?!??!?!!?