Which Chawan would you choose?

[Geekgirl]

It's very pretty. Understated, symmetrical. More important question, does it "speak" to you? I think you'll know the right chawan when you see it. It's the one that you won't have to ask us for our opinions, you will just want to show off "the one."

[thibaulthalpern]

It's very pretty. Understated, symmetrical. More important question, does it "speak" to you? I think you'll know the right chawan when you see it. It's the one that you won't have to ask us for our opinions, you will just want to show off "the one."

Good question! It speaks to me, somewhat Now, I certainly have seen quite a few that totally speaks to me, but only if I were THAT wealthy!

[iannon]

It's very pretty. Understated, symmetrical. More important question, does it "speak" to you? I think you'll know the right chawan when you see it. It's the one that you won't have to ask us for our opinions, you will just want to show off "the one."

+1 GG. while I certainly dont mind checking out all the cool Chawan you are looking for.. But as far as aesthetics (vs. Quality) whats "too perfect" for me..may be absolutely right for you!
I tend to be the same way..analyzing everything. I window shop forever going back and forth but in the end I just wait til I see what just feels right for ME

[thibaulthalpern]

I tend to be the same way..analyzing everything. I window shop forever going back and forth but in the end I just wait til I see what just feels right for ME

You have a point, iannon. If I could hold the chawan or see it in person, it'll be much easier to decide.

Of course, having money helps because then I could just get this piece and be done with it:
http://cgi.ebay.com/JAPANESE-TEA-BOWL-O ... 208wt_1167


I especially love the contrast between the red/brown and white and I love the brown/red rim. But for $650? Not affordable to me.

[iannon]

LOl..well..part of whats right for me unfortunately ALSO includes price..
I have been looking at these:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?li ... d=26348977
calm beauty
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?li ... d=28430461
Vibrant yet still understated in a way
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?li ... d=30244022
just a really cool glaze

[thibaulthalpern]

LOl..well..part of whats right for me unfortunately ALSO includes price..
I have been looking at these:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?li ... d=26348977
calm beauty
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?li ... d=28430461
Vibrant yet still understated in a way
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?li ... d=30244022
just a really cool glaze

I like the last one the most.

The first two, well, I kinda like but being Chinese it reminds me way too much of rice bowls we've used and continue to use. If I were to have a summer-ish chawan, I'd want one that is more distinctively "summer-style". In fact, there are some very nice looking chawan I've seen that are just too much like rice bowls to me, so that rubs a bit.

But hey, that's just me

I do like the last one a lot. It's within my price range too...alas, I'm also looking for one that comes in a box!

Gosh, what have I become? A snob? LOL

[Seeker]

As I look at some of those boxes, they look worn to me. This suggests the possibility that these are not new pieces and may be "used"?
(Also - someone mentioned that the 'artist makes the box' - not necessarily, one must check - many artisans have the boxes made and then buy them for a particular piece and sign them).
I am further reminded of a previous TC post where someone got a used chawan that was very smelly and could not eliminate the foul odor (I don't remember the outcome - but I remember there was much angst and difficulty).
I don't think I'd ever purchase a "used" bowl. Just can't know the storage, if it was put away in the box wet/not fully dried, if there are mold spores deep in the crackling.
I would be especially careful buying from an 'ebay' 'merchant' who I'd never met, never had transaction experience with, etc.
Just some cautionary concerned thoughts.

[thibaulthalpern]

Thanks, Seeker! Yes, the box is old. I suspect too that it's used but I expected it. I don't expect a brand new piece, necessarily.

Yeah, I suspect too the boxes are not necessarily made by the artisan.

The points about mouldy smell is a good point.

I haven't used this eBay seller before, but he was recommended to me and he seems to have good reviews.

Thanks for the advice. Good ones for me to keep in mind!

[chicagopotter]

LOl..well..part of whats right for me unfortunately ALSO includes price..
I have been looking at these:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?li ... d=26348977
calm beauty
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?li ... d=28430461
Vibrant yet still understated in a way
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?li ... d=30244022
just a really cool glaze

I do like the last one a lot. It's within my price range too...alas, I'm also looking for one that comes in a box!

Perhaps Cory could have a box made...You could always PM him. He's here on TC.

[Seeker]

I hadn't checked out the links - Cory bowls!
Me like!
(btw, cory might do a kibako for you, but you'll have to ask, and it'll cost extra).
cheers.

[thibaulthalpern]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 293wt_1167

To answer my own question, this is NOT raku ware. The vendor, neko8011, is very response to all my questions and he says the style is too refined to be raku. Well, that's helpful.

I realise now that what I'm really looking for is something more "organic" looking, less refined. So, now it further narrows my choices down! Way to go for posting on this forum. It's helpful to have a dynamic dialogue!

[davidv7]

Hi Thibault.
It is difficult to choose a chawan online isn`t it?
Have You seen this one from the same seller:

More organic?

z001.jpg (19.74 KiB) Viewed 790 times

Or You can try this one from Katsuragi, cheap, but without a box also used...

Contrasty organic

L112_01.jpg (55.1 KiB) Viewed 790 times

Or a new one in Your price range from Magokorodo:

Hagi organic

c-167201.jpg (39.97 KiB) Viewed 790 times

The last one is new and from a respected artist, I have two Chawans, one wan and one guinomi from this artist and all are top notch.
Aaaaa, the beauty of choosing ...

[thibaulthalpern]

Well, I finally did make a purchase!

It's a kuroraku made by Shoraku. I wanted something more organic looing because I already have two out of three bowls that are fairly uniform in shape and less organic.

In addition, I don't have a black teabowl, so this would be a nice addition. Since it's a raku, it should have a different sensual feel compared to my three other bowls which were all made differently.

[iannon]

YAY!
Looks sweeet!

[Chip]

Excellent choice! A real looker! I love the free form of this one.