One blue porcelain wheel Masao Tagai

Width: 12cm x 12cm Height: 14.6cm

Celadon single flower (Seiji Ichirin) by Masao Tagai

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1. Overview of the work

This small vase is covered in a clear blue glaze reminiscent of the pale sky after rain. With a plump body and three gently sloping tiers, its "tiered gourd-shaped" silhouette combines elegance with elegance, and will blend right into a tokonoma alcove or even a modern living room. Tiny ice cracks and crazes lurk beneath the mirror-like surface of the glaze, and when the light hits them, they cast a faint shadow, adding a three-dimensional effect. A thin layer of glaze is left on the rim, revealing a grey-silvered iron rim that sharply tightens up the pale blue world.

2. Shape and design

3. Technical features

Glaze Design
The iron powder is suppressed, and after firing at a high temperature, the "reduction drop" process is used, which switches to a lightly oxidized atmosphere at the end of the firing. This brings out a clear blue color without any reddish tinge.

Control of Micro-Cracks <br data-start="717" data-end="720">By roughly matching the expansion coefficients of the clay and glaze layers and gently adjusting the cooling rate, we create micro-crazing that is difficult to see with the naked eye. Over many years of use, the flower water gradually seeps in, creating a hazy landscape.

Mirror Finish <br data-start="827" data-end="830">After firing, the piece is heated again at a low temperature to slightly remelt the surface of the glaze and enhance the luster. As a result, the surrounding light and hangings are softly reflected, functioning as a "mirror that holds the scenery in it."

4. Historical and cultural background

Gourd shapes have been loved since ancient times as auspicious designs symbolizing "good health" and "good fortune," and have often appeared in floor decorations in the tea ceremony since the Rikyu and Enshu periods. On the other hand, designs with varying levels are an extension of the playfulness seen in early modern Kyoto ware, and can be seen as an attempt to breathe movement into the tranquil material of celadon. Masao Tagai combines the "free space of wabi" favored in Japanese tea ceremony with "auspicious shapes" based on the clear blue color that originated in the Song Dynasty Longquan kilns, adding a light arrangement that shines in modern life.

5. Combination with flower materials

6. Points to note when viewing

Rings of light reflected on the steps <br data-start="1426" data-end="1429">When you shine a lantern or spotlight on it, bands of light appear on each step, creating richly varying shades of blue.

Microscopic crazes and hazy scenery <br data-start="1490" data-end="1493">When you look closely, you can see mica-like cracks under the glaze, bringing depth to the surface of the vessel.

Contrast between the iron rim and the base <br data-start="1553" data-end="1556">The black of the rim and foot contrasts nicely with the pale blue, adding a sophistication reminiscent of classical official kilns.

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7. Conclusion

"Seido Ichirin" is a vessel of "tranquility and gentleness" that combines auspicious gourd design and clear celadon glaze. Simply inserting a single flower brings fresh air to the space, and over time the minute crazing will take on a haze, and a story will grow along with the vessel. We hope you will use it for a long time and layer your own seasonal scenery on this celadon.