black Tatujin matcha bowl by Naosaku

Tanba black tea bowl - Naosaku Masamoto

Height 8.8 cm x diameter 13.8 cm

Serenity dwelling in the depths of black

The iron hidden in the clay of Tamba quietly seeps out from the jet-black glaze, reflecting soft light with a lustrous glow. Once tea is brewed, the green of the matcha emerges like a firefly in the dark night, bringing a mysterious atmosphere to the entire tea ceremony. This bowl beautifully blends the boldness of Tamba ware with the delicacy characteristic of Masamoto Naosaku.

A "wild landscape" running down the torso

The lava-like unevenness of the ash glaze that surrounds the body is a fortuitous creation created by natural ashfall in the kiln. The rough texture provides a pleasant sensation to the fingertips, and every time you hold it in your palm, you can vividly feel the presence of earth and fire. This texture, which simultaneously stimulates both the visual and tactile senses, is perhaps the greatest appeal of this piece.

The rhythm of the wheel marks and the elegant form

The silhouette that gently widens from the base to the rim is carefully calculated to naturally accommodate the movement of the tea whisk and allow the tea to rise beautifully. The slight undulations in the chamfer of the body, designed to fit the fingers effortlessly, are a testament to the care and attention that Masamoto Naosaku has paid to the work, backed by his many years of experience.

The lineage of Tamba ware and the pride of "Naosaku Kiln"

As one of the Six Ancient Kilns, Tamba ware has been passed down since the Heian period, and with the rise of wabi-cha tea, it has produced many fine black-glazed tea bowls. Masamoto Naosaku's Naosaku Kiln is one of the oldest kilns, carrying on the spirit of this ancient pottery into the present day. The flames of the traditional climbing kiln, which fires the pieces with the reducing flame of red pine firewood, still imprint rustic scenes on the surface of the vessels.

Creating a dignified atmosphere for your tea ceremony

The lustrous black of this piece reflects the light of the tea ceremony and the flowers in the alcove, further enhancing the atmosphere of wabi-sabi. From the moment guests pass through the nijiriguchi and enter the tea room, the black tea bowl exudes a subtle presence as the centerpiece of the tea ceremony. With each serving of tea, the flow of the tea ceremony becomes dignified and firm, quietly settling the minds of both host and guest.

For your continued patronage

After use, wash gently with lukewarm water, wipe off the water with a soft cloth and dry in the shade.

Please avoid soaking the piece in water for long periods of time, as tea stains can easily get into the uneven surface of the ash glaze. You can enjoy the change in appearance over time as a testament to the time you have spent with the piece.

The memory of fire dwells deep within the black glaze, and the unique scenery created by natural ash... Every time you hold a Tanba black tea bowl by Masamoto Naosaku, it tells a story of "fire, earth, and time." Please cherish it for many years to come as a companion to help you enjoy the tranquility of the tea ceremony even more deeply.