Mukiguri sake cup by Yanashita Hideki

Width 6.5cm Height 5.6cm

The "Ima-yaki Black Sake Cup" by Yanagishita Tokiki is a contemporary reimagining of the Momoyama-period black tea bowl "Mukikuri," a small sake cup. By incorporating the spirituality and aesthetic beauty inherent in tea bowls into the everyday format of a sake cup, this masterpiece lies quietly between practicality and art. "Mukikuri" is known as a four-sided black tea bowl by Chojiro, and is a particularly prized bowl that was passed down to the Chikusaya Hirase family of Osaka, along with "Chikusa Irabo." The inside of the paulownia wood box lid is inscribed in Takutakusai's calligraphy: "Chojiro Black Four-sided Tea Bowl, Kaku-kun Signature, Mukikuri, Suejo Tomo, Sotan (monogram)." It is believed the name "Mukikuri" was chosen in reference to the glaze color. During Genso's time, it was likely known as "Chojiro Four-sided Black." The front of the outer box lid reads "Square, made by Chojiro, owned by Rikyu," and the inside of the lid reads "Chojiro ware, favored by Rikyu, four-sided black tea bowl," confirming that this bowl was a favorite of Sen no Rikyu. This four-sided black tea bowl shares a design with the "four-sided kettle" that Rikyu is said to have often used at tea ceremonies in his later years, and it may be considered a work from a slightly later period than the early Soeki-style tea bowls "Daikoku" and "Nothing in the World."

"Black as a landscape"

The aesthetics of black seen in the "Peeled Chestnuts" are firmly inherited in the "Ima-yaki Black Sake Cup." It is not simply jet black, but a warm black with a reddish tinge that has a depth like charcoal, and its appearance changes depending on the angle and amount of light.

Rather than being "black" as a color, it is more fitting to call it "black as a landscape," quietly stimulating the gaze and imagination of the user.

The expression that remembers the firing process

This piece is fired in accordance with traditional methods at a relatively low temperature for a short time. As a result, the glaze shrinks slightly, revealing slight irregularities and fluctuations on the surface of the piece. The black glaze has natural variations in shade, and the brownish base peeks through in places, giving the piece an air of revered serenity. As with the "Peeled Chestnuts," the heavy appearance of the thick glaze, as well as the rough crazing, air bubbles, and even the clear scissors marks and creases on the base, are intentionally left visible as evidence of the firing process, appealing to the viewer's senses.

Experience the serenity and beauty in your hands

This sake cup is small, yet has a striking presence. The rim is slightly thin, highlighting the smooth flow of sake and its pleasant mouthfeel. The shape naturally follows the shape of the fingertips, making it both easy to use and visually beautiful.

Just as the shape of a peeled chestnut is four-sided at the top and rounded at the bottom, this piece also follows that design while achieving a natural harmony that suits its use as a sake cup.

A way to preserve historical memories

The "Peeled Chestnut" was once owned by Goto Saburoemon during the Enshu period, and even further back, by a man known as the "Yukai-o of the South." It has also been suggested that it may have belonged to Rikyu himself at an earlier stage. A letter from Sōza (Gensō) reads, "Chojiro black square tea bowl, inscribed with the name Peeling Chestnut...a rare treasure, perhaps a treasured possession," suggesting that this tea bowl has been passed down with great care. Furthermore, a copy of a square black tea bowl by Ichinyu remains, and its notes state, "The shape is square on top, rounded at the bottom, a small serving bowl." This description, which is similar in structure to the "Ima-yaki black sake cup," offers an extremely interesting clue in considering how Yanagishita Tokiki sublimated the memory of ancient works into the modern era.

Reinterpretation of "Ima-yaki"

Yanagishita Tokiki created this piece with the theme of how to carry forward the "one bowl, one encounter" spirit underlying Momoyama pottery. The name "Ima-yaki" (pronounced "imayaki") is derived from his approach to not only preserving tradition but also breathing new life into it with modern materials and sensibilities. The soft glaze, solid structure, and undulating scenery—all these elements quietly combine to create a poetic presence that transcends mere vessels. Yanagishita Tokiki built his own kiln in Iga and has worked with a variety of techniques, including Yakishime and Oribe. The underlying theme of his work is the coexistence of "beauty for use" and "beauty for viewing." The Ima-yaki Black Sake Cup is a vessel that you naturally pick up during your daily drink, and at random moments, it evokes the time and story hidden within. As it quietly ages and gradually changes over time, it will grow into a unique and special piece for its user.

Hideki Yanashita Profile
Ceramic artist 1967 –
Born in Tokyo, Yanagishita currently lives and works in Iga City, Mie Prefecture. Fascinated by pottery from the Momoyama period, he embarked on a career in ceramics. After training in Shigaraki , he built his own anagama kiln in Iga, Mie Prefecture, and opened the "Kanda Kiln." Under the tutelage of Sadamitsu Sugimoto, he delves deeply into the world of wabi-sabi from his own unique perspective, producing a diverse range of works, including Raku ware, Yakishime, Ido, and Oribe ware. An important theme in Yanagishita's creative endeavors is the pursuit of new heights , born from the incorporation of modern materials and unique approaches, while deeply studying the techniques and spirit of his predecessors. His works question essential beauty that transcends time and invite viewers into a deeper world of art.

Base of operations : Iga, Mie Prefecture