Celadon twisted tea bowl, Suwa Sozan

Width: 13.6cm Height: 6.7cm

I. Work summary

This "Celadon Twisted Tea Bowl" is a celadon matcha bowl formed using the "nejinuki" technique, which is considered extremely rare in porcelain. The soft spiral ridges carved into the exterior demonstrate a natural rhythm created by twisting the body with the fingertips while shaping it, and the jadeite glaze unique to Sozan celadon gently accumulates within, bringing out the shades of blue. A blurred white "cloud pattern" also appears on the inside, evoking a scene reminiscent of early summer clouds rising in a clear sky.

II. Shape and form

Rim design

The rim is slightly curved outwards, maintaining a delicate thickness that does not interfere with the handling of the tea whisk or the touch to the lips. The inner glaze surface is gently sloping, allowing the tea to naturally move towards the center during the tea ceremony.

Neji-nuki body shape

The body has soft ridges and proportions that taper gently towards the bottom. Immediately after being shaped on the potter's wheel, while the vessel is still plastic, the outside is gently twisted to create a spiral shadow. The celadon glaze accumulates thickly in the steps, highlighting the depth of the layers depending on the light.

Height and stability

The base is designed to be slightly low, keeping the center of gravity of the entire bowl low. The inside is carved at a slightly sharp angle, achieving both a light appearance and a sense of stability.

III. Glaze Tone: Soft Light and Cloud Patterns on Sozan Celadon

Deep jade color <br data-end="670" data-start="667">Based on the color tone of Sozan celadon porcelain perfected by the first Suwa Sozan , the balance between the trace amounts of iron contained in the clay and reduction firing creates a clear, transparent blue-green color. Thick glaze accumulates on the ridges of the twisted porcelain, and the depth of the color changes depending on the angle from which it is viewed.

Cloud pattern in the foreground <br data-end="803" data-start="800">Cloudy areas spontaneously appear on the tea puddles, creating a pattern that resembles floating thin clouds. This is the result of localized crystallization within the glaze during firing, and is a symbol of beauty that combines chance and necessity.

The feel of the glaze <br data-end="919" data-start="916">Celadon glaze melts evenly and has a smooth texture that feels like it sticks to your fingertips. When you hold it in your palm, you can feel a slight warmth and the vessel becomes comfortable in your hand.

Ⅳ. Functions and Combinations at Tea Ceremonies

Perfect with matcha <br data-end="1300" data-start="1297">The vibrant green of the matcha blends with the milky white of the cloud pattern, creating a visual effect that is like sunlight floating in the sky.

Resonating with the Light <br data-end="1368" data-start="1365">The warm light of the lanterns and candles casts subtle shadows on the ridges, projecting a deep landscape within the layers of celadon glaze.

V. Technical significance and uniqueness of expression

Porcelain twisting technique

Normally, twisting is a technique used with highly plastic clay, but porcelain clay dries and shrinks quickly, and is prone to cracking, so advanced techniques are required. The fourth generation Suwa Sozan established a technique to determine the softness and viscosity of the porcelain clay immediately after molding, and twist it without distortion using uniform finger pressure and rotation.

Glaze patterns that make the most of chance

The white cloud pattern that appears on the inside of the piece is not intentionally painted, but is created by the slight differences in the fire pattern and thickness of the glaze inside the kiln. The firing design, which deliberately brings out this "beauty of chance," enhances the poetic appeal of this piece.

VI. Artist profile and creative approach

Suwa Sozan IV (born in Kyoto in 1970) was trained by Suwa Sozan III and lacquer artist Nakamura Sotetsu XII, and succeeded to the name of the IV in 2002. Based on his research into celadon, he has explored a variety of techniques, including hotarude, tobiseiji, nerikomi celadon, and nijiku, and creates works based on the idea that "a vessel is completed through a dialogue with the user." In this work, he weaves a universe that fits in the palm of his hand, based on the theme of "a piece of cloud floating in celadon."

VII. Conclusion

The "Celadon Twisted Tea Bowl" is a masterpiece that crystallizes the deep exploration of celadon that began with the first Suwa Sozan and the artistic sensibility of four generations. The gently overlapping spiral ridges and the white clouds floating deep within the glaze reflect the changing of the seasons and the serenity of the soul in the palm of your hand. This piece, which imbues the hard material of porcelain with softness and poetry, will leave a quiet impression in the hearts of those who view and use it, bringing a gentle breeze to your tea ceremony.