Pagasari Chawan

[tjkoko]

Although they look stunningly beautiful, I'd like to read something about their overall quality as I might like to order a chawan if the reviews seem favorable. Here's the Pagasari chawan that caught my eye:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65495170/ch ... utside-the

[tingjunkie]

Sorry, but what indication of "quality" do you need? It's a chawan. It either suits you, or it doesn't. If you're worried about lead or some other toxic glaze it's been discussed to death about all types of teaware here.

[Seeker]

That's a pretty one tj.
I have two chawan by pagasari, and I like them - you can probably find my comments obout them in the "Today's MatchaWan" topic.
I find their quality to be great.
They do require some considerable soaking to remove the "ash" odor (as many artisinally made chawan do, some more than others).
Pag doesn't use any lead.
Cheers.

addendum - my pag's are on pages 2, 12, and 63 of "Today's MatchaWan" topic.

[tjkoko]

That's a pretty one tj.
I have two chawan by pagasari, and I like them - you can probably find my comments obout them in the "Today's MatchaWan" topic.
I find their quality to be great.
They do require some considerable soaking to remove the "ash" odor (as many artisinally made chawan do, some more than others).
Pag doesn't use any lead.
Cheers.

addendum - my pag's are on pages 2, 12, and 63 of "Today's MatchaWan" topic.

"Considerable soaking", long term or several changes of water or both?

Best,
-T

[Seeker]

I first brush-clean with hot tap water and a soft brush. Then I submerge in water and slowly heat to just approaching simmer. Then I remove from heat and allow to cool for about 3 or 4 hours. I empty the water and rinse thoroughly. Then I check it by adding boiling water and smelling for odor in the steam. I might do this 2 or 3 times. If ash odor (which smells like clay dust to me) remains at this point as it has with both my pags, then I submerge in tap water and let soak for 12 to 24 hour periods until the odor has abated (after each soak I empty and rinse thoroughly); the pags I have needed to soak in this manner for approximately 1 week. Then a couple of matcha sessions and they were great. I suspect that many raku chawan might have need of thorough soaking treatment due to their lower firing temps.
Hope this helps.

[tjkoko]

@Seeker: THANKS for the detailed instructions to relieve the bowl of its odor!!!!!!!!!!!

Best,
-T

[tjkoko]

Upon delivery yesterday, the first thing I noticed with the package was its heft. That is one heavy chawan. Well packaged, Pagasari's chawan arrived uninjured. Visually, its beautiful but then, is there a $100 chawan that isn't?!?!?

With no concern regarding lead content or other harmful materials, I have a question that addresses the glaze and the very superficial (topmost) glaze coating of the bowl. I notice very fine hairline fissures in the topmost (clear?) glaze. Is this normal as I have no experience with quality ceramics? And overall I am quite delighted with my purchase of the Pagasari and intend to purchase more of his works in the future.

[MarshalN]

Upon delivery yesterday, the first thing I noticed with the package was its heft. That is one heavy chawan. Well packaged, Pagasari's chawan arrived uninjured. Visually, its beautiful but then, is there a $100 chawan that isn't?!?!?

With no concern regarding lead content or other harmful materials, I have a question that addresses the glaze and the very superficial (topmost) glaze coating of the bowl. I notice very fine hairline fissures in the topmost (clear?) glaze. Is this normal as I have no experience with quality ceramics? And overall I am quite delighted with my purchase of the Pagasari and intend to purchase more of his works in the future.

I think that's quite normal. Heavy? That doesn't sound good...

[tjkoko]

... Heavy? That doesn't sound good...

No heavier than the cheap and massive chawans costing $20. Personal preference here, but to me weight has nothing to do with visual and physical quality. And I really like the primitive appeal of the Pagasari chawan with its splotchy and colorful glaze and somewhat irregular shape. As to its weight, well, beauty lies in the eyes of ...

[JBaymore]

Those little hairlines are called "crazing". They are a result of the fact that when the pot is cooling after the glaze has "set" (although still a liquid, is no longer mallable) the glaze layer shrinks a tiny bit more than the underlying clay body. Glass is pretty weak in tension.... so it relieves the "pulling" by cracking.

Technically, they make the piece a tad weaker than if they were not there. However in practical use for your needs, likely makes little significant difference.

Those lines will eventually stain in from use. In the wabi-sabi type aesthetic, that kind of change over time in this kind of piece is appreciated and accepted.

best,

............john

[JBaymore]

Visually, its beautiful but then, is there a $100 chawan that isn't?!?!?

Actually, $100 US is a rather inexpensive handcrafted chawan... as chawan go.

best,

............john

[Chip]

Those little hairlines are called "crazing". They are a result of the fact that when the pot is cooling after the glaze has "set" (although still a liquid, is no longer mallable) the glaze layer shrinks a tiny bit more than the underlying clay body. Glass is pretty weak in tension.... so it relieves the "pulling" by cracking.

Technically, they make the piece a tad weaker than if they were not there. However in practical use for your needs, likely makes little significant difference.

Those lines will eventually stain in from use. In the wabi-sabi type aesthetic, that kind of change over time in this kind of piece is appreciated and accepted.

best,

............john

Desirable ... crackling
Undesirable ... crazing

So what is it this time, perhaps crackling/crazing is in the eye of the beholder!?!

Anyway, pics please!

[AdamMY]

Desirable ... crackling
Undesirable ... crazing

So what is it this time, perhaps crackling/crazing is in the eye of the beholder!?!

Anyway, pics please!

Chip the truth is I always heard that crazing was desirable, as crazing occurs only in the glaze, i.e crazing does not go through the entire piece.

While Crackling is where it is a major structural flaw, or goes through even the body of the piece.

How I try and keep the straight is crazing occurs only in the glaze, (craze--glaze), and crackling are much more like cracks.

Although I think last time this topic was brought up on Teachat I was somehow out voted, or maybe I just did not voice my opinion at that time.

[Chip]

Hey Adam, you could be right, I had read crazing is undesirable and crackling is desirable ... but I always interpreted it as semantics and/or perceptions anyway.

Yeah, I remember the last discussion. At least if I am wrong, I am being consistantly wrong.

I have a feeling John will set us straight.

[tjkoko]

The only cracklin's I like are made of pork. That stated, yes, it's crazing I see and appreciate. Hope that you all enjoy the photos.