Yakushiji East Pagoda Foundation Clay Yakishime Tea Bowl by Rakusai Onishi

Width: 13.5cm Height: 8.1cm

The "Yakushiji East Pagoda Base Clay Yakishime Tea Bowl" by Onishi Rakusai is a piece made using clay taken from the base of the Yakushiji East Pagoda in Nara, and completed using traditional Japanese yakishime techniques. This tea bowl is a work that inherits ancient techniques while also beautifully reflecting modern aesthetics, and is characterized by its simple and tasteful finish.

Use of soil from the foundation of the East Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple

The clay used for this tea bowl is a precious material obtained from the base of the East Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple, and the characteristics of the clay give the tea bowl a rich texture. The clay, which has a historical background, has been brought to life by the technique, giving this tea bowl a special presence.

Tradition of Yakishime Technique

Yakishime is a technique that developed from sueki ware from the Kofun period, the origin of Japanese stoneware, and this tea bowl continues that technique. Pottery is generally water-absorbent, and applying glazes expands its uses, but with Yakishime, the feldspar contained in the base liquefies when fired at high temperatures, naturally acting as a glaze. With this technique, the base itself acts as a water-tight stopper, making it possible to achieve a beautiful finish without using glazes.

Simple and tasteful beauty

The glaze-free firing technique allows the characteristics of the clay to stand out, giving this tea bowl a simple yet profound beauty. Reduction firing allows the bowl to be fired more firmly, resulting in a hard finish with low water absorption. This tea bowl is a masterpiece that combines traditional Japanese techniques that have been passed down from ancient times to the present with the outstanding skills of Onishi Rakusai.

A fusion of tradition and modernity

The Yakushiji East Pagoda Kidan Clay Yakishime Tea Bowl combines historical clay and traditional techniques to provide new value to the modern world. Its profound beauty in its simplicity gives it a special presence at tea ceremonies and in everyday life, and brings a richness to the user.