Gold Chawan XI

Masanobu Ando

• Introduction

  I am a Gold Chawan XI. I have a heart of gold, though I'm a little rough around the edges.

  
  

• Curator's Notes 

  What I love about this particular chawan is how beautifully rounded it is, with a full, generous body that contrasts with its irregular rim. The gold has an unusual finish, almost matte at first glance, but with a soft shimmer that reveals itself as you turn the bowl in your hands. It's quite different from the bright, polished gold we might ordinarily expect.
  
  When Ando-san created this series, he spoke about deliberately scraping and altering the gold glaze to give these precious vessels a more rustic, everyday character. I find that idea particularly compelling in this piece. There's something wonderful about using such a precious material and then deliberately resisting perfection. The uneven rim, the variations in the surface, and that wonderful subdued gold all make it a bowl I'd want to pick up and examine from every angle.

  
  

  Gold Chawan XI was curated by Angélique Chmielewski

  
  

• Designer/Maker 

  
  

  Maker: Masanobu Ando

  
  

  Designer: Masanobu Ando

  
  

• Specifications

  
  

  Dimensions: 

  Chawan: 4.9” (w) x 5” (l) x 3” (h) or 124mm (w) x 127mm (l) x 76mm (h) 

  Wooden Box: 6” (w) x 6” (l) x 4.6” (h) or 152mm (w) x 152mm (l) x 117mm (h) 

  
  

  Weight: 

  Chawan: 10.8 oz or 305 g

  Wooden Box: 9.4 oz or 267 g

  
  

  Materials: Ceramic, Gold Overglaze, Pawlownia Wood Box, Linen Wrap Cloth

  
  

• Details
  • One-of-a-kind functional sculpture handmade by Masanobu Ando in Tajimi, Japan
  • Packaged in a 'tomobako', a wooden box with deep purple tying rope, and calligraphed by Masanobu Ando
    
  • Chawan is wrapped in a linen cloth, made by Akiko Ando, for protection within the box
  • A chawan is traditionally used as a bowl for preparing and drinking tea, especially matcha 
  • Chawans must be crafted to particular specifications – balance, weight, angle, curve, and the kodai, or foot, are all carefully considered 
  • Gold overglaze will develop a natural patina over time 
  • Hand wash only with mild soap and soft sponge 
  • Dry with soft cloth after washing  
  • Not microwave safe
  • Hand wash only
• Return Policy
  Returns or Exchanges may be done within 14 days from purchase date. We kindly ask that all valid returns must be in unused condition with attached tags and packaging. Nalata Nalata will not accept any returned merchandise without prior written communication and valid Return Authorization Number. Upon inspection and approval, Exchange or Store Credit will be provided, No Refunds. All sale items and discounted merchandise are Final Sale and cannot be returned.  Read More