#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Ceramics #Art Auction #Raku

Long-Jiro Raku's Black Tea Bowl Sells for 230 Million Yen

On May 21-22, 2026, Maiko Auction held its 850th event in Tokyo’s Ariake, featuring a spectacular range of tea ceremony tools and modern crafts. The auction witnessed a staggering total of about 466 million yen across two days, emphasizing the growing allure of both practical and aesthetic applications in art.

A Historical Moment

The standout item was the 'Black Tea Bowl named Genta Kuro' by the first generation Long-Jiro Raku, which commands a rich history connected to the tea master Sen no Rikyū. This bowl, a prized possession of the wealthy Kōike family linked with Sen no Rikyū, fetched an astounding 230 million yen, marking this as its first public appearance in around 90 years. This bowl is one of the famed 'Long-Jiro Seven Types' and has previously only been seen at a private auction in 1938.

The initial bidding started at 30 million yen, escalating with fierce competition among online and physical bidders alike. As the bids soared to 80 million, then 100 million yen, excitement in the auction house intensified, culminating in a final sale of 230 million yen. This event showcases the fierce modern passion for art, where buyers actively challenge traditional barriers between functionality and aesthetics.

Other Notable Sales

In addition to the iconic black tea bowl, several other pieces also attracted high bids. The ninth generation Raku Ryōnyū’s 'Red Shio Tea Bowl' exceeded anticipated prices by a significant margin. Items like Itaya Hazan's 'Colorful Grape Incense Burner' caught the audience's eye as well; after competitive bidding, it sold for 17,825,000 yen, demonstrating the palpable interest in contemporary Japanese ceramics.

In contrast, modern ceramics from renowned artists like Kamoda Shoji also found success, with his late masterpiece '1979 Jar' selling for 13,225,000 yen; a striking reminder of the legacy sculpted in clay.

Immediately gaining attention were the art pieces from the sixth generation Shimizu Rokubei, who presented 15 works, fetching around 11.4 million yen in total due to well-organized group presentations rarely seen in auctions.

Likewise, the timeless works of Kitauji Rosanjin were highly sought after, reaching a total of approximately 14.5 million yen across 22 concluded bids.

The Heat of the New Crafts

The second day also featured tea bowls from the 15th generation Raku Yoshizaemon amid an electrifying atmosphere reminiscent of the previous day's bidding frenzy. Sold at 11,270,000 yen, this sale proved the enduring relevance of tea bowls in crafting a vibrant dialogue between culture and art.

A string of high-value sales from Lucy Rie and others further established the growing interest in Raku ceramics overall, highlighting their significance in the art market.

About Maiko Auction

Founded in 1973, Maiko Auction, based in Koto-ku, Tokyo, aims to be a bridge connecting everyone with the arts, ensuring transparency in transactions. Since its debut in public auctions focusing on art, the company has maintained a solid reputation for authenticity and culture preservation. With over 30 auctions a year and handling extreme volumes across various genres, Maiko stands as Japan's leading company in the art industry, holding a significant market share.

Through events like this, Maiko continues to connect different generations and cultures through art, carrying a legacy of Japanese craftsmanship into the future.