Ōhi Chōzaemon IX (CHōraku) 九代 大樋長左衛門 (長楽) (1901-1986)
Ōhi Ware Tea Bowl (Red Raku)
| Inv. Nr. | #23.019 |
| Date | Shōwa period, mid 20th C. |
| Material | Amber and black glazed Raku ware |
| Dimensions | H 8,3 x Diam. 12,3 cm |
Comes with fitted signed and sealed wooden box and sealed cloth bag
Price: EUR 3,500
The 9th Chōzaemon, also known as Chōraku, inheriting the title from his father, the 8th Chōzaemon, began making tea utensils at the age of sixteen and continued until his death at age eighty-six. He officially became the 9th Ōhi Chōzaemon at the age of 26, following his father’s legacy.
Ōhi ware is distinguished by its use of Ame-gusuri, or amber glaze. This Raku-style pottery is low-fired, resulting in a light and soft texture. Each tea bowl or sake cup is hand-sculpted from a single piece of clay without the use of a potter’s wheel. The artisans employ special picks and tools to shape moist clay. While black glaze is commonly used, similar to traditional Raku, the signature amber glaze epitomizes the Ōhi style.
The origins of Ōhi ware date back to 1666 when the Urasenke Grand Tea Master, Sensō Sōshitsu (1622-1697), invited the first Chōzaemon to Kanazawa. A top apprentice of Raku Ichinyū (1640-1696), Chōzaemon established a new kiln in Kanazawa in 1686, marking the beginning of Ōhi ware production.
In the early 1900s, the tea ceremony and its associated utensils were not widely appreciated. However, as the century progressed, cultural preservation efforts and a renewed interest in traditional arts allowed tea ware artists, including the Ōhi Chōzaemons, to thrive. The 9th Ōhi Chōzaemon balanced maintaining the traditional Ōhi style with incorporating contemporary influences. His efforts were recognized in numerous public exhibitions, such as the "Japan Traditional Arts and Crafts in Contemporary Society".
His works were not only a reflection of his forebears but also of the rapidly evolving contemporary landscape. In 1970, he was awarded the gold award for tea and culture by the 14th Urasenke Grand Tea Master, Tantansai (1893-1964). Eight years later, in 1978, he was honored with the title Tōdosai by the 15th Urasenke Grand Tea Master, Hōunsai. Subsequently, he signed his works as Ōhi Chōzaemon and Tōdosai.
Matsunaga Jian (1875-1971), a renowned tea master, was one of his greatest patrons. Their collaboration resulted in numerous tea bowls, now featured in the Ōhi Museum Collection. His talent is especially evident in his tea bowls. Throughout his life, his calm and humble demeanor was reflected in the serene quality of his work.