A rare white slip with iron black decoration Buncheong tea bowl. 17th century. Tea bowl treasured by the Daitokuji Zen monk Katsudo Hoso’ai who inscribed the box with a special name for this bowl. The name is “Chiki” which means “best friend”. Such names were only given to highly valued pieces used in the tea ceremony with powdered green tea. Box translation: Keishu kiln tea bowl — named “Chiki”  monk signed. The bowl is inscribed near the foot with the potter’s signature or cypher/symbol.
6 inches in diameter & 2 1/4 inches in height.