Raku tea bowl with pine by Kosai Miyagawa

Height: 9.5cm Width: 12.0cm

A conversation with Kosai Miyagawa

"Black Glazed Hand-formed Pine Tree Tea Bowl by Miyagawa Kosai" is an elegant piece that perfectly combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with the Miyagawa family's time-honored techniques. This tea bowl was made using the hand-formed technique, and its hemispherical shape fits comfortably in the hand. The deep color of the black glaze enhances the ease and beauty of the bowl, making the feel of the tea bowl even more striking. A bold painting of a pine tree is placed on the surface of the tea bowl, and the powerful design not only creates a visual impact, but also enhances the tastefulness of the tea bowl as a tea utensil.

Pine symbolism and its cultural background

Pine trees have had a special presence in Japanese culture since ancient times, and are considered sacred trees, as well as symbols of chastity and longevity. In Japan, pine trees have been believed to be "divine trees" and to have divine powers. As seen in the custom of kadomatsu, pine trees are used to welcome the new year, and are revered as symbols of longevity and immortality. Pine trees are also ranked at the top of the auspicious tree series "pine, bamboo, and plum," and their indomitable vitality and strength make them a symbol of happy events and longevity.

It is an evergreen tree that remains lush even in the harsh cold of winter, and its strength and durability are the reasons why it symbolizes longevity and immortality. During the Heian period in Japan, the pine tree was often featured in literature and artwork as a symbol of good fortune, and has continued to be a beloved motif in the tea ceremony and in crafts ever since. The pine tree has a special presence in the world of tea ceremony, and the solemnity and vitality that a painting of a pine tree brings to the silence of the tea room evokes a deep spiritual feeling in the user.

An ingenious fusion of hand-formed and black glaze

The "Black Glazed Hand-built Pine Tree Tea Bowl" is made using the hand-building technique, and is characterized by the natural shape that is created by making it by hand. Hand-building is a technique in which the potter's movements and touch are directly reflected in the work, giving it the warmth that can only be achieved by hand. The shape of the tea bowl is somewhat simple, yet calculated to fit perfectly in the user's hand. This technique values not only the beauty of the appearance, but also the practical ease of use, making it an important element in the world of tea ceremony.

The black glaze is a deep black color created by firing a glaze containing a lot of iron at high temperatures. The surface of this black glaze shows various expressions depending on the amount of light, and one of its charms is the way the texture changes when you hold the tea bowl. The black glaze is also an ideal background color to bring out the vivid green of matcha in the tea ceremony, and its color brings a tranquil atmosphere to the tea ceremony.

Pine paintings and their meanings

The painting of the pine tree on this tea bowl is drawn with bold brushstrokes, and its powerful lines are eye-catching. The curves of the pine branches and leaves express their natural form, and their movement feels lively. The pine tree is not only a symbol of "longevity" and "immortality," but its powerful vitality is also seen as representing an indomitable spirit and strength.

The pine tree pattern surrounds the tea bowl, and each time the tea bowl is turned, it shows a different expression. In the tea ceremony, the act of turning the tea bowl while preparing the tea is important, and the pine tree painting provides a visual treat when doing so. Also noteworthy is the way the pine needles are drawn; even when the needles fall, the two leaves remain connected at the base, making them a symbol of inseparability, and they are imbued with the meaning of marital harmony and bonds.

The history of Makuzu ware and the traditions of the Miyagawa family

Miyagawa Kosai, who made this tea bowl, is the descendant of a Kyoto family that has been making Makkuzu ware for generations, with a history spanning more than 330 years. The origins of Makkuzu ware date back to the Jokyo era (1684-1687) of the Edo period, when the first generation Miyagawa Kobee Masakazu opened a kiln in Kyoto. Since then, the Miyagawa family has passed down their pottery techniques for generations, producing a variety of craft items, including tea ceremony utensils and sencha tea utensils.

In particular, the technique of using "straw ash glaze" is one of the most representative features of Makkuzu ware. Straw ash glaze uses ash remaining after burning firewood as a glaze, creating a transparent and deep color. This glaze has been handed down in the Miyagawa family for over 200 years, and every piece that uses it has high aesthetic value. The harmony between the black glaze and straw ash glaze can be seen in this "Black Glazed Hand-formed Pine Tree Tea Bowl," and its beauty is obvious at a glance.

Miyagawa Kosai and his contemporary reputation

Currently, Miyagawa Kosai, the seventh generation of the Shinkatsu family, is working on the creation of modern tea utensils and crafts while preserving the tradition. The Miyagawa family's works are highly regarded both in Japan and abroad, and are housed in many art museums, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum (London) and the Permanent Mission of Japan to UNESCO (Paris). Recently, they have gained many fans overseas, including in the United States, Europe, and China, and the Miyagawa family's works are loved all over the world as a symbol of traditional Japanese beauty. The "Black Glazed Hand-formed Pine Painted Tea Bowl by Miyagawa Kosai" is a masterpiece of tea utensils, combining the warmth of hand-formed tea, the depth of the black glaze, and the powerful painting of a pine tree. Its beautiful shape and texture not only play an important role in the world of tea ceremony, but also give the viewer a sense of deep spirituality and the beauty of nature. This tea bowl, which embodies the traditions and techniques that the Miyagawa family has inherited for over 330 years, is highly valued not only as a tea utensil but also as a work of art, and will continue to be loved by many people in the future.