I am Gold Chawan II. I believe that a warm cup of tea is worth its weight in gold.
Every year we receive a very special chawan glazed with gold from Masanobu Ando. This is the first time we received one in a 'tomobako' wooden box that plays a significant role in the value and protection of the pottery work. It was a joy to unveil the contents and lift out a chawan that is more bulbous in shape and gentler in your hands. Made to fit the contours of cupped palms, this rounded chawan feels familiar and comfortable to hold. Ando-san hand builds all of his pieces to highlight the natural textures of the clay, and with this piece, he’s taken a more subtle approach to keep a smoother surface and an understated elegance. We've learned that drinking with a gold cup can help alleviate symptoms of chronic pain - the celestial flecks of gold that scatter the surfaces have an otherworldly impression, that remind us of the power of the raw materials that form this rare piece by a master potter.
Gold Chawan II was curated by Angélique Chmielewski
Maker: Masanobu Ando
Designer: Masanobu Ando
Dimensions:
Chawan: 4.5” (w) x 4.9” (l) x 3.6” (h) or 114mm (w) x 124mm (l) x 91mm (h)
Wooden Box: 6.0” (w) x 6.0” (l) x 5.3” (h) or 152mm (w) x 152mm (l) x 135mm (h)
Weight:
Chawan: 14.6 oz or 415 g
Wooden Box: 11.2 oz 318 g
Materials: Ceramic, Gold overglaze, Pawlownia wood box, Linen wrap cloth