A remarkable Korean teabowl known in Japan as Totoya Chawan fired in the early Joseon dynasty. The morning glory shape rises from a low base, this piece is categorized to the “Hira-Totoya (flat-totoya)” type. The name Totoya means “fishmonger”, and the legend tells that the name came from the tea master who owned this type, or Rikyu’s favourite teabowl found at the fish store. The origin of the name has never been clear, but it has been praised at the tea ceremony.

The sherds have been excavated in the western part of Gyeongsangnam-do and the eastern part of Jeollanam-do. The striking reddish colour and the deep lustre due to the inheriting are excellent in tea reflection, and the natural crack on the rim and the glaze flow are also the highlights.

There are no noticeable defects other than three glaze flakings. Come with a Shifuku drawstring pouch (string is broken) and is stored in an old box labelled “Totoya Chawan”.