This is a tea bowl from Kokuji-yaki, a pottery tradition in Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture, that dates back to the Edo period. Pottery made in cold regions is rare, and Kokuji-yaki is said to be the northernmost folk craft. Purchased around 1965, the artist is likely Ryutaro Kumagai VI (or Ryotaro). There is a mark on the bottom of the tea bowl, but I couldn't read it. I think this tea bowl has a rustic, simple, and warm atmosphere typical of the Tohoku region. Also, there are white dot-like patterns on the bottom of the tea bowl. If you like it, please consider purchasing it. Height: Approximately 6cm Diameter: Approximately 12cm *Please allow for some error due to amateur measurements. I received this from someone who used to enjoy tea ceremony (Urasenke) and loved pottery a long time ago, but I don't know if it's a matcha tea bowl or a rice bowl. It looks clean overall and should be fine to use, but as it has been owned by someone else, there may be minor scratches, scuffs, and natural aging that I haven't noticed. The drawbacks are that the original box shows stains and dirt, and there is a handwritten note on the inside of the wooden lid [Image 12]. As it is an item from about 60 years ago, please understand these points. Please understand the current condition and check the photos for details before purchasing. This is a used item that has been stored for a long time, so please refrain from purchasing if you are looking for a new item. The box is in an old condition. *There is a brown area on the rim of the tea bowl, but it is not a chip; it is a small glaze flake that was originally there. Please be aware of this. *As a drawback, there is a handwritten note on the inside of the lid of the wooden original box. If you are concerned, please refrain from purchasing. #RyutaroKumagai #KokujiYaki #TeaCeremonyUtensils #MatchaBowl #Collection #Interior #Vintage #Urasenke #ShowaRetro