Seiji Chawan

Tradition

Seiji (青磁), a celadon chawan

Surface

A cool, pale grey-green celadon glaze, with the fine kannyu (貫入) crackle characteristic of celadon

Dimensions

13.2 cm × 6.5 cm (5.2 in × 2.6 in), diameter × height

Condition

Excellent — a 2025 work by the artist; no chips or restoration.

Box

Signed kiri-bako (桐箱, paulownia wood box)

Reference

SEI-9K4MT

Seiji (青磁) is celadon — a cool, grey-green glaze fired in reduction, the refined counterpart to the warmer, rougher wares of the tea room. The tradition developed in China and Korea — where this maker trained — before becoming established in Japan.

The glaze lies pale and translucent, threaded with kannyu (貫入), the fine network of cracks that forms from a mismatch in thermal expansion between the glaze and clay body as the piece cools. The chawan is wide and low — just over thirteen centimeters across — and holds matcha (抹茶) against a quiet, even green.

Hiroyumi Suzuki (鈴木大弓, b. 1981) was born in Sendai and trained in Korea before setting up his own kiln in Shigaraki in 2009. In 2016 he moved to Iga, in Mie, where he works today.

Alongside Korean-rooted wares — kohiki (粉引), mishima (三島), hakeme (刷毛目) — he turned to celadon and porcelain from around 2017. His work is shown at galleries including HULS Gallery in Tokyo.

Hand-wash promptly with warm water, dry thoroughly with a soft cloth, and allow the chawan to air-dry completely before returning it to the kiri-bako. Avoid soap, dishwasher, and prolonged soaking.

Do not microwave the chawan or expose it to sudden temperature changes.

Over time the kannyu may take on a faint patina from tea — a change some collectors prize in celadon. If you prefer to keep it clear, rinse and dry the chawan soon after use.

Full care notes — use, cleaning, storage, and aging — are in Living with a chawan.

Each chawan is shipped insured and tracked from Tokyo in ceramic-safe double-boxed packaging, within two business days of payment.

If the piece arrives damaged, we arrange a full refund. All duties and import taxes are included in the price — nothing is charged on delivery (DDP).

Currently shipping to the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia. Read our shipping policy and refund policy.