Blue porcelain sake ware by Masao Tagai

Width: 12.2cm x 11.4cm Height: 7cm

Celadon sake cup by Masao Tagai

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1. Overview of the work

This sake vessel is covered in a clear blue glaze that seems to reflect the air after a rain. Its simple form, with a soft, bowl-shaped body reminiscent of a sake cup and a tiny spout (katakuchi), combines practical beauty with elegance. The surface of the vessel is as smooth as a mirror, with a faint milky layer showing through the depths of the glaze, creating a pale gradation. The rim is made of a thin layer of glaze that has been oxidized to a silver-gray color, creating an iron rim that tightens the blue world while also evoking an elegance of wabi.

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2. Shape and design

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3. Technical features

Glaze design <br data-end="602" data-start="599">Masao Tagai uses a "reduction drop" technique in which he controls the iron powder , fires the piece at a high temperature, and then lightly switches to oxidation towards the end of the firing process. This results in a pure "rainy blue" color that is free of reddish hues, and a milky layer is created behind the blue, creating depth.

Suppression of Crazing <br data-end="743" data-start="740">With the use of this product as a sake vessel in mind, we match the expansion coefficients of the clay and glaze as closely as possible and avoid rapid cooling to suppress noticeable crazing. The result is a smooth, transparent glaze surface that reflects the color of the sake without distortion.

Iron Rim Treatment <br data-end="858" data-start="855">The rim is thinly coated using the traditional "iron rim" technique, which causes the iron in the base to oxidize during firing, resulting in a silver-grey color. The more it is used, the more it will take on a black luster, which contrasts with the blue and tightens up the appearance of the vessel.

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4. Design intent as a sake vessel

Temperature retention : The uniform wall thickness makes it easy to keep cold sake cool and hot sake at the right temperature.

Mouth size : The slightly narrow bowl shape does not let too much aroma escape, allowing the ginjo and aged aromas to gently rise.

Easy to pour : By cutting the edge of the spout at a sharp angle while leaving the glaze intact, drips flow easily and do not stain the table.

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5. Historical and cultural background

Celadon began in the Yuezhou kilns of the Six Dynasties and reached its peak at the Ru kilns of the Northern Song and Longquan kilns of the Southern Song. It was brought to Japan by Zen monks after the Kamakura period and has been treasured not only as tea utensils but also as sake utensils. The clear color of celadon in particular beautifully brings out the pale golden color of sake, which retains the flavor of rice, and it is said that tea masters of the Momoyama period also favored it at drinking ceremonies. This work respects that tradition but is reconstructed into a minimalist form that stands out on the modern dining table and in the bar scene.

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6. Alcohol that pairs well with it and how to enjoy it

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7. Tips for Appreciation and Use

Reflected Scenery <br data-end="1673" data-start="1670">The glazed surface reflects its surroundings like a mirror, and the poured sake also reflects a soft light.

Changes in the iron rim over time <br data-end="1730" data-start="1727">The silver-gray rim will develop a black luster with use, deepening the contrast with the blue.

Comfortable in the hand <br data-end="1784" data-start="1781">The bowl-shaped body fits naturally in the palm of your hand, and the protruding spout provides a comfortable grip for steady pouring.

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8. Conclusion

Masao Tagai's "Celadon Sake Ware" is a piece that combines a clear blue color, a neat iron rim, and a minimalist form that is also functional. It quietly elevates the moment you sip a drink, and the appearance of the glaze that develops over the years will gently bring back memories of your drinking party. Please use it for a long time and enjoy the changing colors of the celadon along with seasonal sake.