Celadon sake cup by Masao Tagai

Width: 5.7cm x 6cm Height: 6.4cm

This sake cup features a pale blue glaze (Rainy Blue), which evokes the color of the sky after a rain shower, and an organic form reminiscent of rock surfaces. The irregularly shaped rim has a thin layer of glaze left over, creating a "tetsubuchi" (iron rim), while the body has been turned on a potter's wheel to carve gentle twists and depressions, creating a "footed" base supported at three points. The mirror-like glaze surface is dotted with shading and iron spots created by glaze pools, adding a dynamic vibe to the tranquil blue world.

glaze
A high-viscosity blend of iron powder and feldspar is used. After firing at high temperature, the final stage is reduced to a more oxidized state, reducing the reddish hue and bringing out a deep, clear blue color.

Crazing and iron spots <br data-end="658" data-start="655">The expansion coefficients of the clay and glaze are nearly identical, preventing large cracks. Tiny ice cracks and iron spots appear in the glaze pools in the recesses, adding an accent to the scenery.

Mirror Finish <br data-end="738" data-start="735">After firing, a low-temperature reduction process is applied to re-melt the surface of the glaze, resulting in a moist luster and soft reflection.

Functional beauty as a sake vessel

Temperature retention : The thick glaze and tripod structure create an air layer, keeping cold sake cool and hot sake at a comfortable temperature.

Mouthfeel : The wavy edges give the lips a multifaceted feel, allowing the sake to flow smoothly onto the tongue.

Grip : The uneven surface of the body provides a grip for your fingers, making it less slippery and reducing the weight of the grip.

history

The three-legged vessel shape dates back to the "Tei" and "Shaku" bronzes of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, and has symbolized sacredness and stability. Attempts to transfer this design to celadon were also seen in rare instances at the Longquan kilns of the Song dynasty, and in Japan it was cherished by Momoyama tea masters as a playful expression of wabi. Based on this classical background, Tagai Masao has elevated it to a unique sake cup that combines wabi and modernity by adding a sense of chance through hand-twisting.

Points to note when viewing

Shadow at the feet <br data-end="1191" data-start="1188">The shadow created by the vessel being slightly raised adds a touch of lightness to the tranquility of the blue glaze.

Changes in the iron rim over time <br data-end="1250" data-start="1247">The silver-gray rim will develop a glossy black with repeated use, making the contrast with the pale blue even more pronounced.

Flickering Light <br data-end="1303" data-start="1300">When slanting light shines on it, the unevenness reflects like the surface of water, and the blue color changes its appearance from moment to moment.

This "seiji guinomi" (blue porcelain sake cup) is a "poetry within utility" that harmonizes the serenity of the clear blue, the dynamism of hand-twisting, and the lightness created by its three legs. It gently accompanies both cold and hot sake, and the appearance of the cup's surface gradually deepens with each successive cup. This process is sure to become a story woven between the user, the cup, and the sake. We hope you will enjoy using it for many years to come, and enjoy the changing appearance of the seji with seasonal sake.

A conversation with Masao Tagai – High-end pottery specialty store [Amagimichi]