Richard Milgrim, an American-born ceramic artist, is renowned for his exceptional skill in creating traditional Japanese tea bowls (chawan). Having trained extensively in Japan under the guidance of several master...
Richard Milgrim, an American-born ceramic artist, is renowned for his exceptional skill in creating traditional Japanese tea bowls (chawan). Having trained extensively in Japan under the guidance of several master potters, Milgrim has developed a deep understanding of the philosophy and aesthetics behind the tea ceremony, particularly in relation to the form and function of chawan. His works often reflect a balance between Western craftsmanship and Eastern tradition. This hikidashi-black teabowl, demonstrates his mastery of the technique. "Hikidashi-guro" is a firing method where the bowl is pulled from the kiln at high temperatures, quickly cooled, and typically results in a deep, lustrous black glaze. Milgrim’s attention to detail in the creation of this bowl, from its form to its subtle surface texture, embodies the spirit of wabi-sabi—a celebration of the imperfect and transient. The teabowl’s robust and slightly rugged aesthetic enhances the experience of the Japanese tea ceremony, reflecting both tradition and Milgrim’s personal artistic evolution.