Iron glaze kiln-transformed water jar by Okada Yu

Width: 16.0cm Height: 17.4cm

Iron-glazed kiln-changed water jar by Okada Masaru - "The faint light of the jade hidden in the deep black silence, and the rhythm of the bamboo joints resonate throughout the tea ceremony."

Ⅰ Mizusashi, the "main player in moisture"

The water jar is used to pour water into the tea kettle during the tea ceremony and to store water for rinsing the tea bowls and tea whisk - it is a key tool that controls the moisture and tranquility of the tea ceremony. A water jar like this one, with a co-lid and a complete body and lid with the same design, can be used as the core of the tea utensil set, regardless of the season. In particular, a water jar that is all black brings out the mysterious beauty of the kettle and tea bowls, bringing a sense of tension and tranquility to the entire tea ceremony.

II. Iron Glaze and Kiln Change: Infinite Colors Residing in the Depths of Black

2-1 The appeal of iron glaze

Glazes that contain a lot of iron produce a deep black color when fired at high temperatures, but the flickering of the flame and the degree of reduction also give off subtle hints of green, purple, and brown. By briefly adding an oxidizing flame towards the end of the reduction process, Okada Masaru creates a speckled shadow of jade floating deep within the black ground, creating a tranquil yet expressive texture.

2-2 The shadows and luster brought about by kiln changes

The horizontal ridge running down the center of the body resembles a bamboo joint, and a small amount of glaze has accumulated there, revealing a deep purple band. Under the light, the black is cast in shadow, and a pale patina flickers faintly, creating a fantastical scene reminiscent of moonlight shining through a bamboo forest at night.

III. Shape and Design: A Refined Silhouette Reflecting the Bamboo Nodes

IV. Resonating with History: From Setoguro and Oribe-guro to the Present

During the Momoyama period, Setoguro and Oribe black tea bowls, which represent the bold aesthetic sense of the samurai class, emerged as the ultimate "supporting element" that brought out the green of tea with their black glaze. The iron glaze kiln-changed water jar is a product that transfers the spirit of the black glaze to the water jar.

The deep black brings a sense of unity to the tea ceremony, the fluctuations of the kiln changes create a sense of wabi, and the bamboo knot design speaks simultaneously of the samurai taste for wabi-suki and the praise of nature. Okada Masaru has reflected in his mind the scenery of bamboo forests in Sumiyama swaying in the morning mist, and by sinking emerald green into the depths of the black glaze, he has brought to the vessel the image of "bamboo before dawn."

Ⅴ Artist's Message: Containing the Landscape

Located in a place where the traditional techniques of Kiyomizu-Gojozaka intersect with the natural beauty of Uji and Sumiyama, Okada Masaru continues to create pottery that "captures the landscape in its form." In this water jar, he expresses the vertical rhythm of a bamboo forest with knotted bands rather than vertical ridges, and the subtle emerald color of moonlight is subtly incorporated through reduction kiln transformation . He pursued the silence of the black glaze , like listening intently to a quiet night. Simply placing it at a tea ceremony gently awakens the guest's senses, emanating the subtle aroma of bamboo and the scent of the night breeze.

This iron-glazed kiln-fired water jar embodies the deep black silence and rhythm of the bamboo knots. When stroked with the palm of your hand, the delicate indentations feel pleasant on your fingertips, and the bands of the knots provide a sure clue. Adding to the "once-in-a-lifetime" spirit of the tea ceremony, the piece will surely convey a rich story amidst the silence, with the mysterious beauty of a bamboo forest at night and the faint glow of emeralds.