Yakushiji Temple East Pagoda Foundation Clay Ash Glazed Tea Bowl by Rakusai Bisai

Width: 12.7cm Height: 7.5cm

The "Yakushiji East Pagoda Foundation Clay Ash Glazed Tea Bowl" by Onishi Rakusai is a work made using clay taken from the foundation of the East Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple in Nara, and fired using ash glaze, which has been highly valued in East Asia since ancient times. Ash glaze is a glaze made from the ashes of various types of wood and straw, and is a tea bowl that offers new value to the modern age while inheriting traditional techniques.

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

This tea bowl is made from precious clay taken from the base of the East Pagoda of Yakushiji Temple. This clay has characteristics that have accumulated in the land of Nara over its long history, and it has been made use of by Onishi Rakusai. The historical characteristics of the clay give the tea bowl a rich texture and color, giving it a unique presence.

History and Technique of Ash Glaze

Ash glaze was developed at the beginning of the 9th century at Sanage Kiln in Owari and was widely used throughout the Nara and Heian periods. Ash glaze is a very important glaze in East Asian pottery, especially in China, Korea and Japan, and is still used today for traditional pottery. Ash glaze uses vegetable ashes as a glaze, so it dissolves firmly into the base when fired at high temperatures and has the characteristic of not allowing water to seep in.

Simple yet profound beauty

The Yakushiji East Pagoda Kidan Dohai-yu Chawan is fired using traditional ash glaze techniques, and the base is characterized by a simple yet deep finish that makes the most of the characteristics of the clay itself. Firing at high temperatures brings the base and glaze together, creating a smooth, natural texture throughout the bowl. The unique color of the ash glaze and the technique are perfectly combined to create this piece.

A fusion of tradition and modernity

Onishi Rakusai's "Yakushiji East Pagoda Kidan Dohai-yu Tea Bowl" is a piece that combines historical clay and traditional techniques, and reflects modern aesthetics. Its simplicity and deep beauty give it a special presence at tea ceremonies and in everyday life, providing the user with a rich experience. 17