No matter what we call them -- tea bowl, chawan or chassabal, they each have the same purpose ---- to serve.  In essence, that is their reason for being and, by extension, mine as well.  

As a “servant” a tea bowl should not be overly pretentious yet should have presence in the hands and to the eye of the user.  It should have personality but not be too proud or boisterous.  It should invoke a quiet sensitive state of mind. It is this delicate balance that is at the heart of the challenge for those of us who attempt to create quality tea ware. 

It is easy to create flamboyant, whimsical or outlandish work we call tea ware.  Far more difficult is the task of creating tea ware that truly serve. 

After more than fifty years, I am still researching this balance.