Koji Inoue

Aogaratsu Mentori Tea Bowl

Name: Aogaratsu Mentori Tea Bowl
Brand: Kyozangama
SKU: SKU-55074184200575
Price: 1400.00 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

£1,400.00

Taxes included.

The aogaratsu mentori tea bowl by Koji Inoue is a refined piece of Karatsu ware that showcases the artist’s masterful blending of traditional techniques with a contemporary sensibility.

The Mentori tea bowl is a type of Japanese tea bowl traditionally used in the Japanese tea ceremony. The term "mentori" refers to a specific shape or style of the bowl, characterised by a sharp and flat design, which gives the bowl a unique, graceful form.

The term "Aogaratsu" specifically denotes a green-glazed variation of Karatsu ware, where the glaze often features shades of green, sometimes with subtle variations that result in earthy tones like brown or yellow. The "Ao" in Aogaratsu means "green" in Japanese, which highlights the distinctive hue of the glaze used in this style. The aokaratsu small cup embodies a sense of quiet sophistication, making it a versatile addition to any collection, appreciated for its craftsmanship, practicality, and timeless aesthetic.

This item comes with its own wooden box and tied in a traditional Japanese ribbon.

Dimensions

11.4 D x 8.1 cm H

Region

Karatsu, Saga Prefecture, Japan

Materials & Techniques

Karatsu ware with Aogaratsu green glaze. Traditional ceramic techniques with a distinctive Mentori form.

Care

As each item is handmade and fragile, we encourage you to hand wash only as it is not suitable for dishwasher or microwave.

Shipping & Returns

Delivery

We generally use Royal Mail for our deliveries:

UK Standard Delivery (dispatched in 3–5 working days) – £4.95
UK orders over £60 – FREE
Store Collection (1–2 working days) – FREE
EU Delivery – £19.00
US Delivery – from £15.00
Everywhere Else – from £16.00

Delivery times are estimates and may vary during busy periods or due to customs.

Customs & Import Charges

For EU orders under €150 (excluding shipping), VAT is collected at checkout. Orders over €150 may be subject to additional customs charges on arrival.

For deliveries outside the EU, any customs duties, taxes or import fees are the responsibility of the customer.

For full Delivery details, please see our Delivery & Returns Policy.

Returns

We want you to be happy with your purchase. If you’re not completely satisfied, we’re happy to help.

Full-price items: return within 14 days
Return postage: paid by the customer, unless the item is faulty, incorrect or not as described
Food items: unfortunately cannot be returned for hygiene and safety reasons

For full Returns details, please see our Delivery & Returns Policy.

Aogaratsu Mentori Tea Bowl

£1,400.00

Koji Inoue

Born in Karatsu in 1974, Koji Inoue has dedicated his life to mastering traditional Japanese ceramics.

He graduated in 1999 from Tama Art University, specialising in Craft Design (Metal Course), and continued as a research student in the same field. In 2002, he completed his studies at Arita Ceramics College and apprenticed under Jun Isezaki, a renowned Bizen potter, from 2002 to 2005.

In 2006, Koji began working at the Kyozangama Kiln, established by his father, Touya Inoue, who had been a potter and artist with a deep connection to Karatsu ware. Under his father's guidance, Koji transitioned from his previous experiences to fully immerse himself in the legacy of traditional Karatsu pottery. After his father's passing in 2013, Koji continued the family tradition and worked diligently to refine his own distinctive style, focusing on the deep aesthetics and techniques his father had fostered.

Koji's ceramics, characterised by their clean forms and rich glazes, reflect his deep appreciation for traditional aesthetics. His work has been recognised at prestigious events, including the "Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition" at the Tanabe Museum of Art. His personal interest in the tea ceremony further enriches his creations, blending functionality with artistic expression.

View more work by Koji Inoue