raku ware
A type of hand-moulded, low-fired, lead-glazed earthenware, especially associated with the Japanese tea ceremony.
茶道では楽焼の茶碗がよく使われる。
Raku ware tea bowls are often used in the tea ceremony.
Standard kanji spelling for raku ware.
Alternate spelling with okurigana, also common.
Named for the seal bearing 楽 used by the founding Kyoto pottery family; tradition holds that the seal was granted by 豊臣秀吉. The family name 楽 and the ware name 楽焼 developed from this mark.