Raku tea bowl decorated with plum blossoms in the snow by Miyagawa Kosai

Height: 9.0cm Width: 12.0cm

The "Black Glazed Hand-Formed Plum Blossom Tea Bowl in the Snow" is an extremely delicate and elegant tea bowl hand-formed by Miyagawa Kosai, a leading figure in Makuzu ware. Covered entirely in a deep black glaze, this bowl exudes a profound sense of weightiness, as if the stillness of a dark night has been captured within the vessel. Vividly depicted within the black canvas are plum blossoms blooming in the snow, evoking in the viewer a scene that evokes a sense of vitality even amid the bitter cold of winter. The plum blossoms are depicted in full bloom, accentuated by the falling white snow, expressing the changing of the seasons and the beauty of nature that permeates the entire tea bowl.

The glaze is thickly applied, and its warmth is felt when you touch it with your fingertips. This is not just a visual beauty, but an important element that allows you to feel a sense of familiarity with the tea bowl through the sense of touch. The thickness of the glaze emphasizes the handmade feel of the bowl, and conveys the warmth that comes from the artist pouring his heart into each and every step of the process. The design is simple yet calm, exuding a sense of inclusiveness that gives the viewer a sense of security. This tea bowl is not just beautiful; it has a weightiness that makes you want to pour thick tea into it, and it is also an exceptional piece that is practical as a tea ceremony utensil.

Characteristics and techniques of Makuzu ware

Makuzu ware is known for its masterful combination of traditional Kyoto ware techniques, including overglaze painting techniques such as Ninsei-copy and Kenzan-copy, as well as blue and white and iron painting. It is also characterized by gorgeous decorative techniques such as kouchin (patterned lacquer) and kinrande (gold-lacquered finish), which have earned Makuzu ware a reputation among Kyoto pottery. This "Black Glazed Hand-Formed Plum Blossom in Snow Tea Bowl" also embodies this traditional Kyoto ware aesthetic, beautifully harmonizing the depth of the black glaze with the vividness of the plum blossoms in snow. Of particular note is the use of Kyoto ware techniques to create the depth and transparency of the black glaze. This technique gives the bowl a mystical glow, and its appearance changes depending on the angle of the light, enhancing the enjoyment of viewing it.

The relationship between Makuzu ware and the tea ceremony

Miyagawa Kosai's Makuzu ware is not merely decorative, but is deeply connected to the tea ceremony as a tool. The Miyagawa family has been a potter since the Edo period, with a history spanning over 330 years. During the height of tea culture, they continued to create tea utensils beloved by tea masters. The fourth-generation head of the family, Eiyo Kosai, studied the art of tea ceremony himself and became renowned as a tea utensil artist. This "Snow Plum Tea Bowl" continues that tradition, embodying not only a vessel for drinking tea but also the spiritual and aesthetic sensibilities of the tea ceremony. When used to prepare thick tea, the deep color of the black glaze enhances the color of the tea, further enhancing the overall atmosphere of the tea room. In the tea ceremony, tea bowls are not just tools; they play an important role in creating the beauty of the moment. This "Snow Plum Tea Bowl" also embodies the culture of Kyoto's tea ceremony and enriches the soul of its user.

Miyagawa Kosai and the future of Makuzu ware

The Miyagawa Kosai family has been preserving the tradition of Makuzu ware in Kyoto for over 330 years. However, their techniques are not merely passed down; they are constantly seeking new expressions that are in tune with the times. This "Black Glazed Hand-Formed Plum Blossom Tea Bowl in Snow" blends traditional techniques with a modern sensibility, and is widely supported by tea masters and ceramic art enthusiasts both in Japan and abroad. Recently, Miyagawa Kosai's work has also gained a growing international following, with fans in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, and elsewhere. The beauty of Makuzu ware, which evokes the elegance and splendor of Kyoto, will continue to fascinate people not only in Japan but around the world. This "Black Glazed Hand-Formed Plum Blossom Tea Bowl in Snow" is sure to become a masterpiece beloved by tea masters worldwide for its beauty and ease of use.

A conversation with Miyagawa Kosai